Nepal Police Headquarters has formed a high-level investigation team for the gold smuggling case that suspects the connivance of police officials.

Following a complaint, the Police Headquarters took decisive action, stating further investigation is required to ascertain the role of police in the murder of Sanam Shakya, a gold smuggler.

Police recovered Shakya’s body from a vehicle during security check in Lahan, Siraha district on March 3.

A team of police from the Metropolitan Police Crime Division recovered Shakya’s body from a Mahindra Scorpio vehicle [Ba 12 Cha 5963].

They intercepted the vehicle and found the victim’s body in the boot of the car during security check. Shakya was missing for four days before police found him dead.

Spokesperson of Nepal Police DIG Manoj Neupane confirmed assigning DIG Puskal Regmi and his team to investigate the case.

“This is a routine process. We want to make sure the investigation is fair especially in cases such as Shakya’s,” said DIG Neupane.

He said he could not reveal further details as investigation is in progress.

Police have said Shakya was the carrier of a Kathmandu-based gold smuggler and his murder could have links to the hidden 32 kilograms of gold. The gold was apparently lost during transit. The smugglers had plans to distribute the contraband in Kathmandu and some parts in Eastern Nepal.

The case took a mysterious turn when the complainant alleged that investigating police officers are shielding the kingpin of the smuggling gang and booking ‘mules’ (carriers).

Police have arrested Narendra Karki and Mohan Kafle of Urlabari and Tekraj Mall Thakuri of Kavre after they recovered Shakya’s body.

The arrestees, senior officers believe, are just mules and the kingpin is absconding. 

Police investigation indicates a few junior police officials from the Crime Division may have been in touch with the gold smugglers.

The new investigation team led by DIG Regmi has already begun its work and is visiting Jhapa for further investigation.

The team has mandate to investigate the killing of bullion trader Sajan Mukhiya from Birtamod, Jhapa.

Officials found Mukhiya found dead on March 12, wrapped in a sack and thrown below the highway in Ilam.

Police suspect a link in the murders of Shakya and Mukhiya and say this needs thorough investigation.