Nepal Police have formed a special committee to examine allegations involving Inam Sapkota and Sushil Bhatta, the former chief executive officer of Investment Board Nepal.
Superintendent of Police Narahari Regmi will lead the committee. It will support the Kathmandu District Police Range’s investigation into possible offences under Nepal’s Central Bank Act and money laundering laws.
The case has drawn extensive media coverage amid claims that Sapkota and Bhatta were in regular contact and that Sapkota had alleged connections with senior police officers, judicial figures and businesspeople.
These allegations do not, by themselves, establish that a crime occurred. Police must assess the available evidence.
Committee to Support the Investigation
Reports say the committee will assist the existing investigation team by reviewing evidence.
Investigators are particularly interested in data from Sapkota’s mobile phone, including call records and messages. They are seeking to establish the nature of any communications, whether they were connected to unlawful activity, and whether further individuals should be questioned.
The inquiry is being conducted under laws covering central bank offences and money laundering.
Contact Between Inam Sapkota and Sushil Bhatta
Investigators found that Sapkota was in regular contact with Sushil Bhatta by phone and through WhatsApp.
Bhatta, the elder brother of businessman Deepak Bhatta, previously served as chief executive officer of Investment Board Nepal. He was arrested after his contact with Sapkota came to light.
Police are seeking to determine the reason for their communications and whether they were connected to suspected financial dealings. Regular contact alone does not demonstrate criminal activity.
Alleged Links to Judicial Figures
Claims have also been made that Sapkota had links to former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana.
Investigators are examining whether Sapkota’s communications with influential people were related to efforts to affect cases involving prominent businesspeople. Reports have also alleged contact with other judicial figures.
The inquiry follows claims of possible interference in cases involving businessman Deepak Bhatta and other high profile individuals. These matters remain under investigation. Any allegation that a person improperly influenced a court case should be supported by evidence, and those concerned should have an opportunity to respond.
Senior Police Figures Under Scrutiny
The case has also brought senior security officials under investigation.
Additional Inspector General Banshi Raj Dahal of the Armed Police Force was suspended in connection with a separate inquiry into alleged contact with Sapkota and the mishandling of sensitive information.
The findings have prompted concerns that confidential information may have been shared with unauthorised people. Police are also examining whether Sapkota communicated with other senior officers.
Contact with officials does not, on its own, establish wrongdoing. Investigators must determine whether professional standards were breached or any laws were broken.
Digital Forensics and Financial Evidence
A central part of the inquiry involves forensic examination of Sapkota’s mobile phone and other digital material reportedly seized during searches.
Investigators are reviewing messages, call records and possible connections to financial transactions. Reports have also said that foreign currency was found on Sapkota and that certain financial activity requires further examination.
The inquiry aims to establish the source of the money, whether any transactions were unlawful, and whether evidence connects them to the suspected offences. If the evidence points to other people or dealings that warrant scrutiny, investigators may expand the inquiry.
What Happens Next?
The special committee will help investigators map Sapkota’s alleged network of contacts and assess whether it is connected to suspected financial or other offences.
Police are seeking to establish whether the contacts involved unlawful conduct or financial dealings, and whether anyone abused their position.
The committee’s findings, along with the police investigation, will be significant in assessing the allegations. The inquiry is ongoing, and contact between individuals should not be treated as proof of guilt.