Arrest Warrants Issued for Former PM Deuba and Arzu Rana in Money Laundering Case

In a major legal escalation, arrest warrants have been issued for the former President of the Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and his wife, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. The warrants were issued to facilitate a deep-dive investigation into alleged money laundering.The "Gen-Z" Uprising ConnectionThe investigation stems from the high-profile incidents of September 9 (Bhadra 24), during the widespread "Gen-Z" uprising. During the unrest, a mob stormed and set fire to Deuba’s private residence.While assessing the damage, investigators discovered a significant amount of burnt currency inside the premises. The presence of such a large volume of cash, which was partially destroyed in the blaze, raised immediate red flags regarding the source and legality of the funds.Current Status: Suspects AbroadDespite the legal orders, the couple is currently not in Nepal. Sources indicate they are residing abroad for health and personal reasons. Authorities have noted that their absence will not halt the legal proceedings, and coordination with international law enforcement may be sought if they do not return to face questioning.Key Arrest: Deepak Khadka in CustodyIn a related move, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has already arrested Deepak Khadka, a prominent leader of the Nepali Congress. Khadka was taken into custody to determine his link to the cash found at the residence and his potential involvement in the broader money laundering network.