KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case against the former House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara with smuggling gold hidden in electronic cigarettes.

A veteran of four and a half decades in politics and once vice-chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Mahara held multiple ministerial posts after the Maoists joined the peace process and was a key negotiator.

Mahara is one of Nepal’s few long-serving politicians, having been a member of parliament four times, minister six times-including finance, home, foreign, and communications-served thrice as deputy prime minister, and once as House Speaker.

Despite his prominence, his career reads like a timeline of controversies: alleged misuse of hundreds of millions for Maoist combatants; an audio scandal demanding bribes to influence lawmakers; accusations of sexual assault; and now gold smuggling.

Once a popular and influential figure, he has since been sidelined, keeping a low profile while his political clout dwindled.

Security personnel escorting Mahara after arrest

Nepal News timeline has tracked his rise, fall, and repeated brushes with the law, making him a familiar, if notorious, presence in the country’s political landscape.

June 29, 1958: Krishna Bahadur Mahara is born in Mebang VDC, Ward No. 7, Liwang, Rolpa District, Nepal.

1965: Begins primary education in local Rolpa schools, witnessing rural poverty and state neglect in western Nepal.

1970: Completes early schooling amid growing awareness of socio-economic disparities in the hills.

1975: Finishes secondary education; develops interest in science and mathematics.

1976: Moves for higher studies, focusing on education and sciences.

1977: Starts career as a mathematics and science teacher at Bal Kalyan Secondary School in Liwang, earning the nickname “Mahara Sir.”

1978: Builds reputation as an effective educator while beginning informal political discussions with locals.

1979: Joins student protests during the national referendum against the Panchayat system.

1980: Formally joins the Communist Party of Nepal (Fourth General Convention).

1981: Deepens involvement in local peasant movements in Rolpa.

1982: Aligns with radical communist factions during internal party debates.

1983: Switches to CPN (Masal) following a major split in the communist movement.

1984: Marries Sita Mahara, who becomes his lifelong partner and supporter during later underground years.

1985: Begins mentoring young activists, including future Maoist figures like Barshaman Pun.

1986: Participates in the “Sector Incident,” an early militant action under PrachandMohan Baidya’s leadership.

1987: Promoted to district-level organizer in Rolpa, focusing on peasant mobilization.

1988: Strengthens underground networks in western Nepal ahead of broader democratic movements.

1989: Plays logistical support role in anti-Panchayat activities across Rolpa and neighboring districts.

1990 (April): Actively contributes to Jana Andolan I (People’s Movement I) that ends the Panchayat system.

1990 (May): Emerges as a visible communist activist in post-movement democratic transition discussions.

12 May 1991:  Elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Rolpa-2 on United People’s Front (Samyukta Jana Morcha) ticket.

1991–1994: Serves in Nepal’s first post-Panchayat parliament, vocally critiquing parliamentary democracy from within.

1992: Becomes member of the central committee of CPN (Unity Centre).

1994 (early): United People’s Front splits; Mahara aligns with the hardline Prachanda-Baburam Bhattarai faction.

1994 (mid): The radical faction begins preparations for armed struggle. Resigns from open parliamentary politics to go fully underground.

1995 (September): CPN (Maoist) adopts “Plan for the Historic Initiation of the People’s War.”

Former House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara. File photo

Late 1995: Appointed central committee member of the newly formed CPN (Maoist). Moves to remote base areas in Rolpa/Rukum to build revolutionary infrastructure. Adopts nom de guerre “Comrade Krishna” for underground operations. Focuses on ideological training of cadres in western Nepal. Designated for western regional command responsibilities.

February 13, 1996: People’s War officially launches; Mahara is a key strategist in the western front.

1996 (February–March): Oversees initial actions in Rolpa, Rukum and surrounding districts.

1997: Appointed commander of the Maoist western military command. Leads formation of early People’s Liberation Army units in the mid-western region.

1998: Elevated to Politburo member of CPN (Maoist). Strengthens “base areas” in Rolpa and Rukum.

1999: Appointed official party spokesperson, bridging underground leadership and external media.

2000: Plays central role in the “Sija Campaign” to consolidate base areas. Coordinates propaganda and international outreach from safe houses.

2001 (early): Named coordinator of the Maoist negotiating team for first peace talks.

August 2001: Leads preliminary talks with government in Ghorahi, Dang.

November 2001: First round of peace talks collapse; government declares emergency; Mahara returns underground.

2002: Operates between Nepal’s hills and clandestine India safe houses.

2002: Focuses on international relations, meeting Indian left leaders secretly.  Helps establish United Revolutionary People’s Council (URPC) as parallel government structure.

January 2003: Appointed lead negotiator for second ceasefire round.

March 2003: Meets government officials and visits jails to assure detained cadres.

May 2003: Represents Maoists in high-level talks at Hotel de l’Annapurna, Kathmandu.

August 2003: Second talks collapse after Doramba incident; Mahara flees back to hills.

2004: Directs “strategic offensive” phase of the war from western command.

November 2005: Key architect and signatory of the 12-point Delhi Agreement uniting Maoists with Seven Party Alliance against the monarchy. Shifts party strategy toward democratic transition and alliance-building. Maintains underground communications while preparing for open politics.  Mentors younger leaders who later hold senior posts post-peace. Instrumental in finalizing arms-management roadmap with allies.

April 2006: Returns openly to Kathmandu after Jana Andolan II succeeds.

June 2006: Appears publicly with Prachanda to outline peace roadmap.

November 21, 2006: Witnesses signing of Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA).

January 2007: Sworn in as MP in Interim Parliament.

April 1, 2007: Appointed Minister for Information and Communication in interim government (serves until 17 September 2007). Serves as chief government spokesperson.

December 2007: Maoists rejoin government; Mahara’s ministerial role continues in coalition.

April 2008: Elected to first Constituent Assembly (CA) from Dang-3 with 20,784 votes. 

August 22, 2008: Re-appointed Minister for Information and Communication in Prachanda-led cabinet.

May 2009: Resigns ministerial post when Maoist government falls over Army Chief controversy.

September 2, 2010: A leaked audio tape broadcast by several TV channels allegedly captured Maoist leader Krishna Bahadur Mahara asking a man believed to be Chinese for Rs 500 million. The money was said to be intended to influence around 50 lawmakers in a bid to win the prime ministerial election. The recording caused an immediate political uproar. The Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML called for an investigation, saying the case showed serious problems in Nepal’s political system. However, despite the controversy and public attention, no formal investigation was carried out, and the issue remained unresolved.

May 2011: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister under Jhala Nath Khanal.

July 2011: Resigns Home Ministry due to internal party tensions.

2012: Appointed General Secretary of Unified CPN (Maoist).

November 19, 2013: Contests and loses second CA election from Dang-3.

2014: Focuses on party organization and healing post-split factions.

 2015: Plays backstage role in 16-point agreement leading to new Constitution.

August 2016: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in second Prachanda cabinet.

 2017 (early): Oversees implementation of federal budget and early federalism steps.

June 7, 2017: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs in Deuba-led coalition.

December 9, 2017: Mahara was elected Member of the Federal Parliament from Dang-2, defeating Nepali Congress candidate Raju Khanal by a margin of 14,145 votes. Mahara secured 40,042 votes, while Khanal received 25,897 votes.

March 10, 2018: Mahara was elected House Speaker unopposed. Senior-most member of Parliament, Mahantha Thakur, officially announced his election during a parliamentary session. Mahara’s candidacy was proposed by CPN-UML leader Subash Chandra Nembang and seconded by CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Dev Gurung. The main opposition, Nepali Congress, did not field a candidate. Mahara had been elected as a federal parliament member from Dang-2 in the federal parliamentary elections.

September 30, 2019: A Kathmandu-based online news portal published a detailed account by a woman who works at the parliament secretariat at the Parliament Secretariat, accusing then Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara of sexual assault. In her video interview, she alleged that Mahara had come to her house the previous night in an intoxicated state, forced her to drink whisky, and then physically assaulted and raped her. She also claimed that he had built trust with her family over time, presenting himself as a family friend. The allegation, involving one of the country’s most senior public officials, triggered immediate public and political concern.

October 1, 2019: A meeting of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) central secretariat unanimously decided to ask Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara to resign in order to prevent a political crisis following serious allegations against him. Soon after, Mahara stepped down from his position. In a letter addressed to the Deputy Speaker, he stated that he was resigning- temporarily-on “moral grounds” to allow for a “true, impartial and independent investigation” into the allegations.

November 5, 2019: The Kathmandu District Court ordered former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara to be sent to Dillibazar Prison in connection with an attempted rape case filed by a Parliament Secretariat woman. Judge Sudarshan Raj Pandey directed that Mahara be kept in judicial custody until a final verdict is reached in the case.

February 17, 2020: The Kathmandu District Court acquitted former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara of all charges in the attempted rape case of  a Parliament Secretariat staff member. Judge Ambar Raj Poudel cleared Mahara of the rape charged. Earlier, on October 31, 2019, police had filed a charge sheet against him, seeking a prison sentence of five to seven-and-a-half years.

November 4, 2020: Wife Sita Mahara dies of COVID-19 complications at Norvic Hospital.

2020 (late): Briefly retreats from public life due to personal loss.

2021 (January): Re-emerges during protests against parliament dissolution.

January 2022: Appointed Vice-Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) at party general convention.

November 2022: Chooses not to contest general elections to focus on party organizational work.

December 25, 2022: Chinese national Li Hansong arrived in Kathmandu on Flydubai flight FZ-0587 carrying two suitcases containing 73 vape packs (730 units). Authorities later discovered approximately 9 kg of gold-worth Rs 85.5 million-concealed inside the vapes. Li Hansong left Kathmandu shortly after retrieving his passport, while the confiscated vapes remained in customs custody.

2022 (throughout): Serves as party spokesperson while maintaining low public profile.

February 12, 2023: The Customs Department forwarded the seized vape shipment to Nepal Police’s Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) after raising suspicions. The 730 electric cigarettes, still in 73 packs, were deemed illegal and kept in the customs warehouse for roughly 50 days. The Mahara duo’s unusual interest in the goods prompted Customs to request CIB investigation. After two months of investigation, CIB confirmed that 9 kg of gold had been smuggled. A case was filed against six individuals, including customs officer Rewanta Khadka. A supplementary charge sheet later added Belgian national of Chinese origin Dawa Chhiring, his driver Lokendra Paudel, Rahul Mahara, and Nima Gurung as accomplices. Krishna Bahadur Mahara’s arrest marked the third prosecution in connection with the case. Investigations further revealed Mahara’s link to the smuggling kingpin Daojin Wang. While this connection was presented during the first phase of the probe, no case was initially filed against Mahara himself.

Rahul Mahara. File photo

October 1, 2023: The government formed a three-member commission to investigate gold smuggling at Tribhuvan International Airport, led by former High Court Judge Dilli Raj Acharya. The commission included former joint secretaries Kishor Jung Karki and Premraj Joshi, and former Additional Inspector General of Police Sahakul Thapa. Tasked with examining both the 61 kg gold case and the earlier gold concealed in vapes, the commission conducted an extensive six-month inquiry. Its report, however, faced scrutiny after revelations of factual inaccuracies, especially regarding allegations against police officials.

October 12, 2023: The District Government Attorney’s Office (Kathmandu) formally charged four individuals in the 9-kg gold smuggling case. Among them was Resham “Rahul” Mahara, 36, son of former House Speaker and CPN-Maoist Centre Vice-Chairman Krishna Bahadur Mahara. The case, filed at Kathmandu District Court, cited three offences: criminal breach of trust, customs evasion, and organized crime. The other accused included Lokendra Kumar Paudel, 39, from Sarlahi; Belgian national of Chinese origin Dawa Tsering, 39; and Nima Gurung, 57, from Bauddha, Kathmandu. Police investigations revealed that the Mahara duo made or received over 250 calls with gold smugglers, middlemen, and government employees to facilitate the release of the e-cigarettes from customs.

October 13, 2023: The Kathmandu District Court ordered Rahul Mahara to be remanded in custody. On January 25, 2025, the Patan High Court upheld the detention order, keeping Rahul in jail.

February 26, 2024: The Cabinet meeting extended the gold investigation commission’s deadline until mid-March. Before that, the term of the commission was extended by two months.

March 14, 2025: The Inquiry Commission on the Illicit Import of Gold (Smuggling) – 2024 submitted its 485-page report to the government. Chaired by Dilli Raj Acharya, the commission handed the report to Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, who pledged to implement its recommendations. The report, organized into 13 sections, recommended departmental actions against officials, including former Home Minister and Maoist Vice-Chairman Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Additional Inspector General Kiran Bajracharya, then-chief of the Central Investigation Bureau, and Jhalakram Adhikari, then Director General of the Department of Immigration. AIG Bajracharya was criticized for allegedly shielding while Adhikari and other officials were also flagged. The commission’s findings were based on inspections of nine customs checkpoints, interviews with 68 individuals, and consultations with 61 experts over a five-month investigation.

On March 18, 2024, the CIB arrested Krishna Bahadur Mahara from Kapilvastu

March 18, 2024: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested Krishna Bahadur Mahara in Kapilvastu. No formal case was filed against him at the time, and he was released on personal guarantee after recording his statement. Other individuals named in the investigation were not questioned, and the government was unable to implement the commission’s recommendations.

October 12, 2025: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police arrested former House Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara for his alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case involving vapes (electronic cigarettes). Mahara was also formally charged with organized crime in connection with the case.

October 15, 2025: Krishna Bahadur Mahara was sent to Sundhara Central Jail after the Kathmandu District Court remanded him in custody for trial. Information Officer Deepak Shrestha confirmed that Mahara was sent to Jagannath Dewal, a section of the jail. Judge Harka Bahadur Chhetri’s bench ruled that initial evidence indicated Mahara’s involvement in the gold smuggling case.

November 27, 2025: The Patan High Court ordered the release of Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who had been in judicial custody in connection with the gold smuggling case involving e-cigarettes (vapes). A bench of Judges Arjun Prasad Koirala and Tejendra Prasad Sharma Sapkota granted his release on a Rs 2 million bail.

April 9, 2026: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court against former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, his son Rahul Mahara, joint secretary Arun Pokharel, and others. They are accused of facilitating gold smuggling concealed in electronic cigarettes, allegedly causing damages of around Rs 77.86 million. The charge sheet claims the accused colluded with a Chinese smuggling network to illegally import gold disguised as vape devices, dating back to the December 2022 shipment.