Nepal forms panel to probe leaders since 2006

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Kathmandu
• Apr 17, 2026
• 476

Nepal has reportedly launched its largest-ever anti-corruption drive, with a sweeping investigation targeting public officials who served between 2006 and 2025–26. The government has formed a five-member judicial panel to examine the assets of individuals who held power during this period.

The probe is said to include several former prime ministers such as Pushpa Kamal Dahal, KP Sharma Oli, and Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with other key leaders like Baburam Bhattarai and Madhav Kumar Nepal. Former king Gyanendra Shah is also expected to come under scrutiny.

In addition, past and current presidents including Ram Baran Yadav, Bidya Devi Bhandari, and Ramchandra Paudel may be investigated. The scope extends beyond top leaders to include ministers, over 100 constitutional office holders, and senior bureaucrats.

The investigation will cover the entire post-monarchy era following the 2006 political transition, effectively placing most of Nepal’s modern political leadership under the scanner. Reports also suggest that figures linked to the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party could face scrutiny, including party leader Rabi Lamichhane.

Notably, the probe may also extend to the families of deceased leaders, such as Girija Prasad Koirala, raising the possibility of examining inherited assets.

The five-member panel is reportedly headed by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari and was formed shortly after recent elections that gave the government a strong mandate. Authorities say the investigation will be conducted impartially and based on evidence.

If carried out as planned, the move could trigger major political upheaval and potentially expose long-standing corruption within Nepal’s political system.