Home Minister Sudhan Gurung Accused of Rent Default on Leased Land in Pokhara

Pokhara. It has been discovered that Home Minister Sudhan Gurung leased public land, which has now become a subject of controversy.

Home Minister Gurung had leased the land from local resident Om Bahadur Gurung for an annual rent of 200,000 rupees. The Minister had constructed a resort and tourist-focused structures on the site. However, after disputes arose with locals during the construction phase, he abandoned the project.

According to the landowner, Gurung, Sudhan has only paid rent for one year and has failed to pay the remaining balance. 'It has been 5-6 years since the agreement was signed. I received 200,000 for one year. I haven't received any money since then,' he said. 'I have tried to contact him many times, but he has not been reachable.' Pokhara Mayor Dhanraj Acharya has publicly stated that Gurung had even suggested using a bulldozer on his 20 ropanis of land located by the lake.

While reviewing the lake's map, Sudhan had claimed he would not obstruct the use of a bulldozer on his own land. Attempts to reach Sudhan for comment have been unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the landowner has urged him to come forward and settle the outstanding rent.

'By law, he should have paid the rent by now. He goes around talking about establishing order and upholding the law, yet he hasn't paid the rent for his own agreement,' he added. 'Home Minister, please get in touch. Either use the land or let us tear up the contract.'

The land was leased for a period of 15 years. After constructing some structures, Sudhan abandoned the site. The survey registration status of the land remains unclear, with reports suggesting that some parts may have been surveyed while others might have been leased based on possession rights.