Mahara arrested in gold smuggling case released

CPN (Maoist Center) Vice-Chairman Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who was arrested in connection with a gold smuggling case, has been released on condition that he be present when summoned.

He was released after the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police completed recording his statement at the District Public Prosecutor's Office this afternoon.

CIB spokesperson Hobindra Bogati said that he has been handed over to his son.

Though he was released from custody, the investigation against him will continue, he said.

Former Speaker Mahara was detained from Rupandehi on March 17.

Following his arrest, the Kathmandu District Court had permitted the CIB to keep Mahara in custody for four days in the course of investigation into the gold scam.

He, however, was admitted to the Thapathali-based Norvic Hospital due to his poor health.

Mahara's name has been linked to a Chinese national involved in smuggling 61 kg of gold in brake shoes and nine kg gold brought in electronic cigarettes.

At that time, the CIB had released him only after recording his statement. Mahara's son Rahul was arrested in connection with the case earlier. 

Rahul is currently in judicial custody.