KATHMANDU, Oct 13, 2025 — The Kathmandu District Court on Monday formally registered a case against former House Speaker and CPN (Maoist Centre) vice-chair Krishna Bahadur Mahara, charging him with organised crime, violation of the Customs Act and gold smuggling, and seeking a recovery claim of Rs 85,528,374. Prosecutors have asked the court to impose the maximum penalty available under the organized-crime legislation.
Key facts
- Accused: Krishna Bahadur Mahara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
- Charges registered: Organised crime, Customs Act violations, and gold smuggling.
- Recovery claim: Rs 85,528,374 sought by prosecutors.
- Arresting agency: Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Nepal Police.
What the court filing says
Court information officer Deepak Kumar Shrestha confirmed the case was registered on Monday and said the process to record Mahara’s statement and hold a custody hearing was scheduled for Tuesday; the court will then decide whether to grant bail (potentially conditioned on payment) or remand him to judicial custody.
Background of the probe
Investigators say the case stems from seizures made in December 2022 when customs officials at Tribhuvan International Airport intercepted consignments containing hundreds of electronic cigarettes (vapes) that concealed gold pieces. Authorities allege the smuggled gold — which investigators have valued at roughly Rs 85.52 million — was diverted from airport custody and sold through an organised network that involved both domestic intermediaries and foreign contacts. The CIB says the current charges arise after fresh inquiries and coordination with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
Timeline (select)
- Dec 25, 2022: Customs seizure of vape consignments containing concealed gold at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Mar 2024: Mahara was previously arrested, questioned, and later released in earlier rounds of the probe.
- Oct 12, 2025: CIB arrested Mahara from his residence following renewed directions from prosecutorial authorities and the CIAA.
- Oct 13, 2025: Kathmandu District Court registers formal charges and a recovery claim of Rs 85,528,374. Kathmandu Post
Legal significance and penalties
Prosecutors have sought the maximum prison term under the organised-crime law – a move signalling that authorities view the case as part of a structured criminal enterprise rather than an isolated customs violation. If convicted under organised-crime provisions alongside Customs Act violations, the accused could face lengthy imprisonment and forfeiture or recovery orders equivalent to the alleged proceeds.
Political fallout
Mahara is a senior figure in the CPN (Maoist Centre); his formal charging will likely intensify political scrutiny and could prompt immediate responses from party leaders. Observers say the case may also renew public debate over alleged political protection for high-profile suspects and the independence of investigative agencies.
What happens next
- Custody hearing / statement: The court will record Mahara’s statement and rule on remand or bail during the next hearing. If bail is granted, prosecutors indicated the recovery figure may be used as part of conditions.
- Investigation timeline: The CIB has said it will continue investigations and prepare a report for the government attorney; prosecutorial filing and potential charge sheets are expected to follow once evidence is consolidated.
“The case involves organised activity and substantial proceeds; the bureau will continue its probe and present evidence to the court,” a senior CIB official said.
Quick facts box
- Name: Krishna Bahadur Mahara (b. 1958) – former House Speaker and CPN (Maoist Centre) vice-chair.
- Arresting body: Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), Nepal Police.
- Seizure origin: Vape consignments intercepted at Tribhuvan International Airport, Dec 25, 2022.
- Recovery sought: Rs 85,528,374.
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