Nepal’s Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has resigned following allegations linking him to financial dealings with a businessman currently facing investigation for money laundering. The announcement was made on April 22, as Gurung submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Balendra Shah. In a statement shared via social media, Gurung expressed his commitment to moral integrity over political authority.

Gurung’s rise in politics followed the Gen-Z protests in September, which demanded improved governance and accountability. Elected from Gorkha in the March elections, he assumed the role of Home Minister upon the formation of the new Cabinet. His recent resignation stems from mounting public scrutiny regarding his shareholdings, including interests in firms linked to businessman Deepak Bhatt.

Details of Allegations and Public Response

The controversy surrounding Gurung intensified after documents disclosed that he holds shares in Star Micro Insurance and Liberty Micro Insurance, companies associated with Bhatt, who was arrested for alleged money laundering. This information raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, leading to calls for his resignation from within his own party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

In response to the claims, Gurung issued clarifications to refute allegations of financial concealment. He asserted that his investments in the securities market exceed NRs 20 million. He maintained that any shares in question, amounting to NRs 2.5 million each, were acquired prior to his appointment. He stressed that all details had been disclosed in official declarations.

Gurung further elaborated that being a shareholder does not imply a direct connection with individuals associated with the companies in question. He emphasised that the investigation against Bhatt falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, not the Home Ministry, addressing concerns over a potential conflict of interest.

Gurung’s Claims and the Ongoing Investigation

Despite the ongoing controversy, Gurung described some allegations against him as “sponsored rumours” aimed at undermining his efforts to combat corruption. He expressed that individuals feeling threatened by ongoing actions against corruption are responsible for disseminating misinformation. He affirmed his commitment to continue pursuing those involved in financial improprieties.

Gurung expressed dissatisfaction with what he referred to as a coordinated effort to tarnish his image. He asserted that actions against corrupt individuals would persist, stating that those embroiled in large-scale corruption have become alarmed at the scrutiny directed toward them.

The issue of Gurung’s financial dealings became more pressing following revelations that he did not specifically disclose certain investments in asset declarations submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. His reported investments in Star Micro Insurance and Liberty Micro Insurance, with a combined value of NRs 5 million, were not clearly delineated in his financial disclosures, raising further questions about the transparency of his financial activities.

Additionally, it was noted that the companies in which Gurung holds shares had yet to commence public trading, leading to inquiries about how such shares were classified in his official statements. The evolving nature of this case continues to attract public and media attention as investigations proceed.

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