Former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has claimed that a video purportedly showing large amounts of cash at his Budhanilkantha residence is likely an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated fabrication.

In a statement submitted to the commission of inquiry investigating the September 8–9 incidents, Deuba, who was then president of the Nepali Congress, said the amount recorded in an official police document was not significant.

“The legal document prepared by the Nepal Police in the presence of the ward chair mentions the amount found at my residence; it was not a large sum. The details circulating on social media must be AI-generated. This is an absolute conspiracy, though I do not know who is behind it,” he stated.

Deuba said that on the evening of September 8, he was at his residence in Budhanilkantha, before travelling to Baluwatar to request then prime minister KP Sharma Oli to lift the social media ban. “He subsequently did so. However, I did not participate in any formal meeting,” Deuba said.

Referring to the following day, Deuba alleged that protesters breached his residence and assaulted those inside. “At around 10:00 am on September 9, protesters gathered at my residence and raised slogans. Despite attempts by security personnel to stop them, we were physically attacked. Some Gen Z youths intervened and helped us reach a safe location at around 10:00 pm,” he said.

Deuba also rejected claims that political interference hindered police from properly assessing the incidents. He emphasised that trade union rights are fundamental in a democracy and should be exercised responsibly, and that student organisations must work for the broader public good. He warned against politicising non-political institutions and called for action against those involved in vandalism, looting and arson. He also stressed the need for policy, legal and institutional reforms reflecting the sentiments of young people.

Despite his clarification, the inquiry commission has recommended that the government investigate the cash reportedly discovered at Deuba’s residence.

On September 8, at least 19 people were killed in police firing. The following day, protesters breached police barricades and advanced towards the Parliament building. Several key state structures, including Singha Durbar and the Supreme Court, were set on fire, while the homes of multiple political leaders were vandalised and torched.

It was during the unrest at Deuba’s residence that the cash was reportedly found.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation carried out an inspection at Deuba’s residence days after the incident, but no details of the progress of that probe have been made public so far.