Binod Chaudhary interrogated by Nepal Police’s CIB over Bansbari land grab case

KATHMANDU: Binod Chaudhary, the prominent industrialist and chairman of CG Corp Global and MP of Nepali Congress, along with being a member of the Nepali Congress party, found himself in the spotlight today as he provided his statement to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police. This development comes amidst an ongoing investigation into the sale and purchase of land associated with the Bansbari leather shoe factory.

Early this morning, Chaudhary appeared at the District Government Attorney Office (DGAO) in Kathmandu to cooperate with the CIB’s interrogation process. During his statement, Chaudhary vehemently refuted allegations of any wrongdoing, emphasizing that the Bansbari land issue had been unfairly politicized.

Speaking to reporters after the interrogation, Chaudhary expressed his disappointment over the politicization of the matter, stressing that his primary aim was to support the investigation process. He firmly asserted his innocence in the case, highlighting the positive contribution his foundation had made to Bansbari over the past four decades.

Furthermore, Chaudhary voiced concerns about the broader implications of such controversies, cautioning against the politicization of business and entrepreneurship. He urged for a separation between politics and economic activities, emphasizing the critical role of employers in maintaining economic stability.

The investigation into Chaudhary’s involvement in the Bansbari land case was confirmed by the CIB in a letter addressed to Speaker Devraj Ghimire, indicating a potential escalation of the matter.

Parliament Secretariat Spokesperson Ekram Giri acknowledged receipt of the communication, suggesting that Chaudhary may face further questioning by law enforcement authorities.

As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the developments surrounding Binod Chaudhary, a figure of considerable influence in Nepal’s business and political spheres.

Moreover, industrialist Basanta Chaudhary faced interrogation by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police on Wednesday. Chaudhary was summoned by the CIB in connection with the purchase and sale of land associated with the Bansbari factory.

The interrogation, conducted on Wednesday afternoon, aimed to shed light on the details surrounding the land transaction. Basanta Chaudhary was released after the interrogation session, with the investigation expected to proceed despite the absence of police custody.

The investigation centers around the alleged illegal sale of 10 ropanis of land belonging to the government-owned Bansbari leather shoe factory to Champion Footwear Pvt Ltd, a privately-owned entity that is currently non-operational. Property records indicate that the assets of Champion Footwear are now under the ownership of CG Chandbagh Residency Pvt Ltd.

This inquiry was set in motion with the arrest of Arun Chaudhary, the younger brother of billionaire businessman and Member of Parliament, Binod Chaudhary, on February 1. In light of this development, the CIB has been actively pursuing leads, leading to the questioning of Binod’s middle brother, Basanta Chaudhary, on Wednesday. Chaudhary was subsequently released following the interrogation session.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are diligently probing into the intricacies of the Bansbari land transaction, aiming to unravel any potential irregularities or misconduct. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.