Bansbari Leather Shoe Factory Scandal: Arun Chaudhary offers land return amidst ongoing investigations

KATHMANDU: In the latest development surrounding the Bansbari-based Leather Shoe Factory land scandal, Arun Chaudhary, sibling to the renowned billionaire and Member of Parliament Binod Chaudhary, has provided his statement to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).

Arun Chaudhary, accused of orchestrating the transfer of 10 Ropanis of government land into individual names for personal gains, has expressed his willingness to return the contested land to the government.

The Chaudhary Group, entangled in the controversy, is alleged to have operated the Champions Footwear Company within the Leather Shoe Factory compound, subsequently transferring ownership of the land to the company. Currently, the site is home to the Hand Bagh School.

Arun Chaudhary, during his CIB statement, signaled his commitment to resolving the issue by returning the land.

According to revelations by SSP Dinesh Acharya of the CIB, the Champions Footwear Company was established through an agreement that intended to provide a 25 percent share to the Leather Shoe Factory.

However, investigations have uncovered discrepancies, indicating that Arun Chaudhary invested 26 lakhs rupees, surpassing the agreed-upon 12 lakhs rupees and equivalent to the cost of 10 Ropanis of the land.

Arun Chaudhary, along with the former Chairman of the Factory Ajit Narayan Singh Thapa and the Chairman of CG Chand Bhag Residency Pvt. Ltd Sanjay Thakur, finds himself in legal trouble after their recent arrests in connection with the Bansbari Leather Shoe Factory land scandal.