A Home Ministry team on Wednesday raided Anamnagar-based Bajeko Sekuwa restaurant as part of investigation into the murder of Sanam Shakya, an alleged carrier in 33-kg gold smuggling case. The raid was carried out at the restaurant suspecting the involvement of its owner Chetan Bhandari.

The government has frozen the property and bank account of Bhandari for his alleged involvement in the gold smuggling case. He is on the run.

Bhandari is a relative of Chudamani Upreti aka Gorey, the kingpin of the smuggling racket. Bhandari is Upreti’s nephew in relation.

“All the chain restaurants of Bajeko Sekuwa would be sealed,” said a member of the investigation committee. He said they are acting at the directive of court.

The special committee probing the organised gold smuggling have sealed all five chains of Bajeko Sekuwa being operated in Kathmandu Valley.