Home Minister Sudhan Gurung addresses share investment controversy

Kathmandu. Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has issued a clarification regarding the controversy surrounding his share investments. In a statement released via social media on Monday, he refuted the allegations leveled against him.

Minister Gurung expressed his commitment to fully cooperate with investigations and abide by any decisions made by his party. Denying claims that he concealed shares worth 2.5 million rupees, the Minister asserted that his asset declaration, published on the Cabinet's website, clearly lists investments exceeding 20 million rupees.

He clarified that his investments in Star Micro Insurance and Liberty Micro were included in that declaration, stating it was a matter of classification rather than concealment. He argued that someone intending to hide assets would not publicly disclose holdings worth over 20 million rupees.

He revealed that the shares were purchased before he became a minister and that the source of the investment was a loan agreement dated 2080 Bhadra 29. He noted that all transactions were conducted through the banking system, ensuring the evidence remains secure. Addressing the alleged partnership with controversial figure Deepak Bhatta, he argued that buying shares in a company with hundreds of shareholders should not be interpreted as a personal partnership with everyone involved.

Future conditions in business investments cannot be fully predicted

Home Minister Gurung stated that it is impossible to predict all future fluctuations or conditions when making business investments. 'Future conditions in business investments cannot be fully known; every investment carries risk,' he said. He argued that it is unjust to judge past investment decisions based on subsequent events.

Clarifying the allegations of 'conflict of interest,' he informed that the investigation is being conducted by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation under the Ministry of Finance, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. He claimed that if he had used his position to exert influence or interference, the investigation process would not have proceeded at all, asserting that the ongoing investigation proves he has not exerted any influence.
Emphasizing his responsibility toward the sacrifices of martyrs and the spirit of the 'Gen-Z movement,' he urged everyone to reach conclusions based on evidence rather than rumors.

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Sudhan Gurung gives clarification after being dragged into controversy