KATHMANDU: The High-Level Investigation Committee, assigned to identify problematic cooperatives, has called on the government to repatriate 18 individuals who left Nepal after allegedly embezzling cooperative funds. During a meeting on Monday, the committee directed GB Rai, accused of misappropriating funds from Sahara, Suryadarshan, and other cooperatives, to return to Nepal immediately. The committee has also requested the return of several other individuals linked to various cooperatives, including Gyan Bahadur Bamjan, Than Bahadur Rai, Bhupendra Rai, Taswiran Khatun, Ashraf Ali, and Subas KC.

Additionally, Bharat Maharjan, along with his family members Mazmaya, Sachin, and Sarla, who are involved in the embezzlement of funds from Sumeru Cooperative, have been asked to return. Mahashankar Regmi of Meghadrim, Premdhwaj Lama of Kantipur Saving, Leelanath Gautam of Shiva Shikhar Cooperative, manager Deepak Poudel, Dev Kumar Nepali (Chairman of Image Savings and Credit Cooperative) and his wife Cheda, and Tej Bahadur Bamjan Tamang of Shiva Shikhar are among the other people being investigated.

Committee Chairman Surya Thapa stated that the committee lacks precise information on the whereabouts of some individuals currently residing in the USA, the UK, Malaysia, and India. They have requested the Home Minister to locate these individuals, repatriate them, and ensure they face investigation. Thapa emphasized that a conclusive outcome can only be reached once these individuals are included in the investigation.

Concerning the cooperating concerns, the committee has also resolved to question 24 people who are presently under police custody or supervision. A list of these people has been sent to the Home Minister, according to Chairman Thapa. The committee has asked the Home Minister and Secretary to arrange for the necessary personnel and time to facilitate the questioning of those in prison and summon those residing abroad.