KATHMANDU: The government led by Balendra Shah has initiated an investigation into the assets of high-ranking officials, including former prime ministers.

According to sources, the government has instructed the concerned ministries to begin inquiries into the wealth of senior officials. The Shah-led administration has launched a probe under the framework of asset (money laundering) investigations, targeting former leaders, bureaucrats who held high office, and individuals suspected of amassing disproportionate wealth.

An investigation has been launched into the assets and income sources of three former prime ministers, two former ministers, and their families, in a widening anti-money laundering probe.

Acting on a directive from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, Nepal Police has begun examining the movable and immovable assets of former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The probe also covers former ministers Arju Rana Deuba and Deepak Khadka, along with their family members, according to CIB sources.

Authorities have further extended the investigation to Bhushan Rana, the brother of former minister Arju Rana. Meanwhile, former Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka was arrested from his residence in Budhanilkantha on Sunday morning. The arrest was carried out by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police following instructions from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.

Government sources say the process formally began on Sunday. “The scrutiny of assets belonging to former prime ministers, their families, and other high-ranking individuals has already started,” a source stated.

The government has also pledged that the investigation will be carried out impartially, without favoritism or discrimination. Based on a directive from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has begun the inquiry.