A high-level commission tasked with conducting an extensive investigation into the incidents of gold smuggling submitted its report to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane on Thursday.

The commission stated that the 485-page report was compiled after conducting field inspections of nine customs checkpoints, interviews with 68 individuals, and consultations with 61 experts during the five-month-long investigation.

The commission has recommended legal action against some individuals in this connection.

Upon receiving the report, Home Minister Lamichhane pledged to implement its recommendations. He assured that those responsible for the wrongdoings would be prosecuted, and the recommended improvement measures would be implemented.

Lamichhane’s secretariat said the minister pledged to take action against any individuals or entities implicated in the report.

Lamichhane said those responsible for allowing the guilty to walk scot-free in the past will also be brought to book.

The government formed the commission on October 2 to conduct a detailed investigation into the recent incidents of gold smuggling in the country. The commission, led by Dilli Raj Acharya, a former High Court chief judge, was constituted after the major parties agreed on its jurisdiction.

The commission was tasked with the responsibility of investigating incidents involving gold smuggling concealed within electronic cigarettes and motorcycle brake shoes.

Additionally, the commission was mandated to propose amendments to existing laws and enhance the investigation mechanisms to curb smuggling. The body was entrusted with reviewing investigation reports concerning smuggling cases and conducting further inquiries as required.

Initially, the commission was given three months to study the issue and prepare a report. However, its term was later extended until mid-March.