KATHMANDU, July 19: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Govinda Panthi has called for an impartial institutional review of the investigation, prosecution, and judicial process in the money laundering case involving former deputy prime minister and CPN-UML Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel.
In a social media post, Panthi, who is also a lawyer, questioned why the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DoMLI) proceeded with the case if there was insufficient evidence against Paudel.
Panthi said the DoMLI relied on statements given by Chunnu Prasad Sharma and Kamal Kishore Malpani, directors of Shriram Towa Industries Pvt. Ltd., during the investigation. According to him, the statements alleged that Paudel facilitated the sale of 375,000 shares of Shriram Towa Industries to Himalayan Everest Management Pvt. Ltd., owned by Infinity Holdings Pvt. Ltd., as well as the purchase and sale of 2 million shares of Himalayan Reinsurance Ltd. in the name of Saffron C.K. Investment Pvt. Ltd.
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He questioned why the case was taken to prosecution if there was insufficient evidence to substantiate those claims.
"If the prosecution was based on strong evidence, why did the Special Court order his release on regular court appearance in a case seeking recovery of Rs 209 million?" Panthi wrote.
He said the questions extend beyond any individual or political party and concern the quality of the investigation, prosecution, and judicial process.
Panthi said an objective review was needed to determine whether the investigation was weak, the prosecution was rushed, or the court assessed the evidence differently.
He added that if there were shortcomings in the investigation or prosecution, accountability should be established, warning that weak coordination and poor evidence management among state agencies would undermine good governance and the fight against corruption.
Panthi said an impartial review based on facts and the law was necessary to maintain public trust through fair investigations, responsible prosecution, and evidence-based judicial proceedings.
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