Nepal's Former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba Faces Arrest Warrant Amid Money Laundering Probe

In a significant development, the Kathmandu District Court has issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, as part of a money laundering investigation. The couple, currently abroad, faces serious allegations alongside other political figures. This article explores the implications of their situation amid a shifting political landscape in Nepal, where a new party has gained substantial power. The investigation follows protests that revealed troubling financial activities, raising questions about the future of Deuba's political career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 8, 2026, 19:46 IST

Arrest Warrant Issued for Deuba and His Wife

Kathmandu: The Kathmandu District Court has issued an arrest warrant for Sher Bahadur Deuba, the former Prime Minister of Nepal, along with his spouse, Arzu Rana Deuba, who previously served as Foreign Minister. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering activities.

According to reports from local media, the warrants were authorized on Tuesday by Judge Mahendra Khadka, following a request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.

The investigation targets Deuba and his wife, as well as other former Prime Ministers, including K P Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, amid serious allegations of financial misconduct.

Last September, during the Gen-Z protests, social media was flooded with images and videos showing burnt cash linked to Deuba's residence, as well as those of Prachanda’s daughter and former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, who is currently in police custody. Protesters set fire to their homes, and forensic analysis later confirmed that the currency fragments were authentic, leading to a comprehensive investigation, despite some claims that the images might have been digitally manipulated.

Currently, the Deuba couple is outside Nepal, having traveled to Singapore on February 26 for medical reasons, just a week before the parliamentary elections. They have since reportedly moved on to Hong Kong.

Sources indicate that the issuance of the arrest warrant is a step towards requesting an Interpol Red Notice, which would allow international authorities to apprehend them and facilitate their return to Nepal.

Deuba, who has held the Prime Minister's office five times, has been a significant player in Nepali politics since 1991, consistently winning elections in his home district of Dadeldhura. However, he did not participate in the latest House of Representatives elections on March 5, following his ousting as President of the Nepali Congress during a Special General Convention in January.

After the March elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party emerged as the dominant force in the House of Representatives, securing nearly a two-thirds majority. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for the Deuba couple to return, as the new government has initiated investigations into their dealings.