Kathmandu — As Nepal’s interim government moves to tighten oversight on top political figures under investigation for corruption and money laundering, a new development has come to light: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, are reportedly preparing to leave the country.
According to high-level security sources, the Deuba couple recently applied for new passports and have already secured visas for Thailand. While the stated reason for the potential travel could be medical treatment or other personal matters, government agencies have been alerted to remain on high alert. Sources claim the couple is making “full preparations” to travel abroad soon.
At the same time, discussions are reportedly underway between the Department of Passports, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI), and the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police regarding a possible move to freeze the couple’s passports. If the DMLI formally writes to the passport department, their passports could be legally restricted under Section 12 of the Passport Act 2076, which allows authorities to block travel documents during investigations related to financial crimes.
Just days ago, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation visited the Deuba residence to collect evidence. This move came after videos emerged showing large sums of money reportedly found at the property, prompting intensified scrutiny. Earlier, on Bhadra 24 (early September), violent protests outside the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha led to arson and property damage. Following that incident, there were reports that the couple’s passports were either burned or lost.
However, with new passports now issued and visas secured, it appears the Deubas are actively preparing for departure — a move that comes just as government agencies weigh their next legal steps. While no official travel ban has been imposed yet, it’s clear that the state is watching closely and a decision could be imminent.
This unfolding situation adds a fresh layer of tension to Nepal’s already charged political atmosphere, where accountability and legal enforcement are beginning to close in on even the country’s most powerful leaders.
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