Former PM Deuba Calls Vandalism at Residence a 'Major Conspiracy' Before Inquiry Commission

Kathmandu. Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has termed the vandalism, arson, and looting that occurred at his private residence on Bhadra 24, 2082 BS, as a major conspiracy. While giving testimony to the inquiry commission formed to investigate the 'GenZ' movement, he demanded legal action against anyone involved in the incident.

In the report obtained courtesy of Janastha Weekly, Deuba, clarifying the incident at his residence and the details spread on social media, claimed that all of it could be misleading and AI-generated. During his statement to the commission, Deuba revealed that he was at his private residence in Budhanilkantha on Bhadra 23 and that same evening he went to Baluwatar to urge the then Prime Minister to lift the ban on social media.

He stated that on the morning of Bhadra 24, protesters gathered at his residence around 10 AM shouting slogans, and when security personnel tried to stop them, they were assaulted. He mentioned in his testimony that he only managed to reach a safe location around 10 PM after some GenZ youths intervened to protect them.

Clarifying the issue of the money allegedly found at his residence, Deuba claimed that the amount was not substantial as mentioned in the official record (muchulka). He argued that many details related to his house appearing on social media were conspiratorially fabricated and generated using Artificial Intelligence. However, he admitted that he had not filed a complaint with any police station regarding this matter. He also stated that although the police took details of the looting and arson at his residence, he has no information on the current status of the legal proceedings.

Refuting allegations of political interference in the police administration, Deuba asserted that he has never acted in a partisan manner. He believes that the police's inability to accurately assess the events of Bhadra 23 and 24 should not be linked to political interference.

He suggested that while trade unions and student organizations should be allowed to work for their rights and interests in a democracy, non-political organizations should not be politicized. He emphasized the need for policy and legal reforms that incorporate the sentiments of the country's youth.