Investigation into the property of CJ Rana’s relatives started
KATHMANDU: DEC. 31 – The Asset Laundering Investigation Department has started investigating the assets in the names of family members and other relatives of CJ Rana. The department has appointed Deputy Secretary Mohan Dhakal and Branch Officer Krishna Mainali as Investigation Officers.
An investigation officer has been appointed to investigate the complaint lodged with the department. Preliminary information is being collected now, ‘said Prem Prasad Bhattarai, director-general of the department.
On behalf of the massive civil movement, Dr. Govinda KC had lodged a complaint with the department last Sunday and drew attention to the investigation into the property in the name of CJ Rana’s family and relatives. The complaint, along with a letter of attention, demanded an investigation into allegations that CJ Rana, his brother, wife and other family members and relatives, as well as judges and constitutional body officials working as intermediaries, had formed an organized gang and laundered property.
The fact that the gang has laundered billions of assets from illegal or fraudulent extortion, corruption and bribery, fraud, criminal gains and money laundering, real estate and property-related offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act is constantly being disseminated through the mass media. No investigation has been carried out in this regard so far, ‘the complaint said.
Bhattarai informed that the investigation has been started since the complaint was received. “Investigators are investigating. You understand by inquiring/corresponding with the necessary bodies and individuals, ‘he said. The department cannot investigate CJ Rana’s personal property.
CJ Rana has been exempted from such scrutiny by law while in office. The department may investigate the assets of her family members or others close to her and prosecute them if they are found to have obtained them from illegal sources. For that, the department can understand the bank account in the name of CJ Rana’s relative, the amount in it and the source. Land Revenue Offices across the country can also collect details of the land in their name and find the source of its purchase.
The department was established in 2068 BS under the law enacted by the Legislature-Parliament in 2064 BS to prevent money laundering and financial investment in terrorist activities. The department is now under the Prime Minister’s Office.
Meanwhile, Dr. medical education reform campaign. On Thursday, KC called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba along with other human rights activists to resolve the complaint expeditiously and start the process of impeachment against CJ Rana from the parliament. The Prime Minister said that the Asset Laundering Department would work independently and would extend its support in this regard.
Advocate Omprakash Aryal, who accompanied KC, said, “The Prime Minister has said that he will discuss the issue of impeachment of CJ Rana with the leaders of the ruling coalition.”
