Nepal gold smuggling: Bizman with alleged ‘ruling party link’ held

According to police, Chhiring had been held several times in last four years. However, each time he was let off mysteriously, giving credence to speculation that he enjoyed political patronage.

Meanwhile, a police file photo of Chhiring and Nepali wife Amala Roka with Barshaman Pun and wife Onsari Gharti, both prominent leaders of ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), went viral on social media.

The photo went viral at a time when PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was soliciting people’s support in the “government’s fight against corruption”.

A senior police officer told The Indian Express that they would question a few politicians and businessmen in the coming days in connection with the case.

Chhiring was held in the past in link with different cases such as cheating people through ‘loan apps’ in India and Nepal, and for running online gambling.

Sources said 100 kg gold was imported in name of Ready Trade, a company allegedly controlled by Chhiring. Police said the company is in the name of a worker, but said he has no knowledge about it.

Investigators said Nepal is used as a “safe route” for smuggling  gold from China to India.

Meanwhile , Deepal Malhotra, a Kathmandu-based businessman, denied involvement. Rakesh Kumar Adukia, a trader who is under the DRI scanner, is missing. Police had raided his house in Kamal Pokhari last week.