The committee formed to investigate the property of former home minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sudan Gurung has concluded that nothing unusual was found in his landholdings, even as it has not given a definitive conclusion regarding monetary transactions and share investments.

The committee led by former judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari submitted its report to Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Friday. Bhandari said the 45-page report separately details Gurung's assets, sources of income, debts, and the various means through which he acquired his property. The 17 pages of the report consist solely of Gurung's statement, while statements from other individuals mentioned in the investigation occupy several additional pages.

Gurung resigned on April 22 following mounting controversy over his share investments and alleged links to controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is under investigation for money laundering.

The committee compared the asset declarations Gurung submitted to the Election Commission before the March 5 election with those made public after he became home minister. “We did not find anything unusual in his landholdings,” said a member of the committee. “Even regarding other properties, it was difficult to conclude that they lacked identifiable sources or were acquired through unjustified means.”

The investigation found that Gurung owns 19 ropani and 15 annas (1.014 hectare) of land in Karkichhap, Dhankuta, while properties registered in his father's name include 30 kattha in Bharatpur-18, Chitwan, and 221 ropani (11.29 hectare) in Chum Nubri, Gorkha. According to a committee member, the Gorkha land carries limited market value, while only the properties in Chitwan and Bhedetar are likely to be worth significant amounts. As a result, the committee did not consider the landholdings unusual or suspicious.

The report also includes information about activities and financial transactions conducted through an organization called "Hami Nepal." The report states that no direct connection could be established between Gurung and controversial businessman Bhatta, and no banking records were found showing financial transactions between them.

During his testimony before the committee, Gurung said he had earned income from operating a hotel in Thamel and subsequently invested the proceeds in shares and gold, an explanation that formed part of the basis for the committee's analysis.

The investigation found evidence that Gurung had generated income from the sale of his hotel in Thamel, said the committee member. The committee also examined his claims of borrowing money from several individuals, interviewing some lenders in person and others via Zoom, and recorded their statements as part of the inquiry.

A Cabinet meeting on May 11 had formed the Bhandari-led investigation committee with Comptroller General Shobhakanta Poudel, and Deputy Attorney General Achyut Mani Neupane as members.

When asked whether the report concluded that Gurung’s assets and financial dealings were normal or abnormal, Bhandari declined to comment, citing his oath and official responsibilities. He said the committee had made objective, evidence-based observations and avoided subjective judgments.

In an interview with BBC Nepali Service, Bhandari said some of Gurung’s landholdings did not match public allegations. He added that the committee examined the sources of assets and made recommendations based on where the evidence was strongest.

The report also covers remittance-related matters and relatives listed by Gurung in that context.

“Throughout the report, we have presented objective explanations. Our analysis follows where the evidence is strongest,” Bhandari told Kantipur. “Since we have asked the government to make the report public, everything should become clear within a few days.”

Although the committee included a section of conclusions and recommendations, Bhandari declined to comment on its contents.

According to Gurung’s asset declaration, he had investments worth more than Rs43.1 million, including 30,000 ordinary shares in Hope Holdings Pvt. Ltd. and 5,700 shares in Lagum Premium Apartments Pvt. Ltd., along with holdings in Adventure Villa Pvt. Ltd. The committee used these disclosures in its analysis.

Additionally, Gurung declared ownership of 89 tolas of gold and around Rs 6.1 million in bank deposits, which were also examined by the committee.