KATHMANDU — Sudan Gurung is set to return to Singha Durbar as the Minister of Home Affairs.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has decided to reinstate Gurung to his former position after the preliminary investigation by a probe committee found no basis for the allegations against him. Gurung is expected to resume his responsibilities at the Home Ministry within the next few days.
Gurung stepped down on April 22, less than a month into his tenure, amid intense public backlash regarding alleged conflicts of interest, including the use of undeclared funds for stock purchases and reported business ties to controversial figure Deepak Bhatta.
“No irregularities were found in the probe committee’s preliminary investigation. There were no major transactions as alleged,” a source close to the Prime Minister told KathmanduPati. “Since no evidence of illegal activity was found, preparations are being made to appoint Sudhan as Home Minister again.” Currently, Prime Minister Shah has retained the Home Ministry portfolio himself.
On Saturday, Sudhan visited the Armed Police Force Hospital in Balambu to inquire about the health of personnel who collapsed during training at the Armed Police Force Revenue, Customs, and Industrial Training School in Tikapur, Kailali. During his visit, he was accorded the same protocol and treatment as a sitting Home Minister. He was briefed on the condition of the injured personnel by Armed Police Inspector General Narayan Dutta Poudel and the medical team involved in their treatment.
On May 11, a Cabinet meeting formed a three-member investigation committee to examine the public concerns raised during and after Gurung’s brief tenure. The committee, chaired by former High Court Judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari, includes Controller General of Accounts Shobhakant Poudel and Joint Attorney Achyutamani Neupane.
The committee was mandated to conduct a factual study and investigation into the public allegations against Gurung and submit a report with recommendations within 15 days. A committee member stated that only a few days remain until the deadline and they are preparing to submit the report to the government within the stipulated time.
