Nepal's Former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka Arrested in Money Laundering Probe

In a significant turn of events, former Nepalese energy minister Deepak Khadka has been arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau in connection with a money laundering case. This development follows disturbing revelations from last year's Gen Z protests, where evidence of burnt banknotes was found at the residences of Khadka and other political figures. The investigation is part of a broader crackdown on corruption, which has also seen the arrest of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and others. Read on to discover the implications of this case for Nepal's political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 15:01 IST

Arrest of Deepak Khadka

Kathmandu: On Sunday, Nepalese authorities apprehended Deepak Khadka, a former energy minister and member of the Nepali Congress party, in relation to a money laundering investigation, as reported by local news outlets.

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police took action early Sunday morning, according to spokesperson Shiva Kumar Shrestha, as cited by The Himalayan.

Khadka's detention followed a request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, as noted by The Kathmandu Post.

Last year, during the Gen Z protests, disturbing images and videos emerged showing charred remnants of banknotes found at the homes of Khadka and former prime ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

These findings were later corroborated by forensic tests.

Khadka faces allegations of accepting illicit financial gains in return for granting licenses and contracts for various projects during his tenure as Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation.

This arrest follows the recent detainment of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who were charged with involvement in the suppression of the Gen Z protests that resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals, including many young people.