Mahara held in connection to gold smuggling case
By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Oct. 13: Former speaker of the House and leader of CPN-Maoist Centre, Krishna Bahadur Mahara, has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police. The arrest comes in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case involving imported vaping devices or electric cigarettes.** The Rising Nepal
Domestic politics and protest aftermath
Divisions among the Gen Z groups are unhealthy, both for themselves as well as the country. A lot has changed in Nepali politics in a month. Yet the Gen Z groups remain divided as ever. Even before the start of the September 8 protests, multiple groups had emerged, each claiming to be ‘leaders’ of the movement. Many had competing agendas. This, unfortunately, is still the case. When President Ramchandra Paudel invited 20 people representing Gen Z for a meeting at his office, other Gen Z groups who felt sidelined began to protest outside Sheetal Niwas. They went so far as to label Sudan Gurung, a representative of Hami Nepal, … as “foreign agent” and “anti-national”. Some asked for the resignation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. Other Gen Z invitees were also demeaned in various ways. Outraged protesters said they would hit the streets again if they continued to be sidelined in discussions with the government. The Kathmandu Post
At least 5,000 Nepali citizens, followed by 540 Indian nationals and 108 prisoners of other nationalities, remain absconding after mass escapes from jails during the Gen Z protests; the Department of Prison Management said authorities have issued alerts across the country to look out for those who escaped. Around 540 Indian nationals serving time in various prisons across Nepal have been absconding ever since the Gen Z protests. The Hindu / PTI
Gold-smuggling investigation and Mahara’s arrest
Mahara had recently provided a statement to the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) regarding the case. The probe traces back to December 25, 2022, when Chinese national Li Hansong arrived on a Fly Dubai flight and allegedly concealed gold within 730 vaping devices packed across two suitcases brought through Tribhuvan International Airport. The seized vapes reportedly contained gold worth Rs. 85.5 million, and the CIB has accused Mahara of customs evasion and organised crime, alleging that he and his associates sold the smuggled gold through Revenue Department officials to gain illicit profit. The Rising Nepal
Sports: “Cardiac Kids” clinch last-over thriller
MUSCAT — Nepal, fondly known as the Cardiac Kids, pulled off a nerve-wracking one-run victory against the United Arab Emirates at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Muscat. Nepal posted 140 for six before restricting the UAE to 139 for nine to seal a nerve-wracking one-run victory. The UAE required three runs for victory and two to force a Super Over, but ultimately fell agonizingly short by a single run. Aasif Sheikh top-scored for Nepal with 51, and Dipendra Singh Airee was Player of the Match with figures of 4-0-22-3. The Himalayan Times
Culture and economy: festivals, preservation and business worries
With Tihar approaching, traders say they are bracing for lower sales as demand from corporate houses and households has slumped amid lingering public fear and economic uncertainty following the Gen Z protests. Flower and festive light traders said that as the corporate houses in Kathmandu Valley were severely damaged during the protest last month, the demand for flowers and lights is expected to decline sharply. The Kathmandu Post
Meanwhile, in Jajarkot, the youth and members of multiple generations have been engaged in preserving indigenous art and culture, passing down traditional practices and songs — an effort reported as part of broader cultural preservation activities. The Rising Nepal
Share Your Thoughts
- How do you think the arrest in the gold-smuggling probe will affect public trust in institutions?
- Will divisions within Gen Z weaken or reshape the movement’s political demands?
- What immediate steps should authorities take to restore law and order while protecting civil liberties?
- How might the economic fallout from the protests change Tihar spending and small traders’ outlook?
- What should Nepal’s cricket team build on after the dramatic win in Muscat?
Sources: The Rising Nepal, The Kathmandu Post, The Himalayan Times, The Hindu