Former Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba Returns Amid Legal Challenges

Sher Bahadur Deuba, the former Prime Minister of Nepal, has returned to Kathmandu after a five-month absence, during which he faced a money-laundering investigation. His arrival was met with enthusiastic support from party members, but he also confronts significant legal and political challenges. As his faction within the party prepares for a national gathering, questions about the legitimacy of the recent leadership changes and the ongoing investigation into his finances loom large. Deuba's return could energize his supporters, but the implications of the legal proceedings against him and his family remain uncertain.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 13, 2026, 16:44 IST

Deuba's Triumphant Return to Kathmandu

File image of former Nepal PM Deuba(Photo: X)

Kathmandu, Aug 13: Former Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, received a warm welcome from his supporters at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Thursday, marking his return after five months abroad for a reported 'medical check-up' in Singapore.

A significant gathering of party leaders and supporters, including former officials such as acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka and Krishna Prasad Sitaula, greeted Deuba upon his arrival from Thailand.

Chants of support echoed as Deuba faces both legal and political hurdles at home, having been ousted during a contentious Special General Convention in January.

Deuba departed for Singapore on February 25, ostensibly for medical reasons, but remained abroad amid a money-laundering investigation linked to large sums of cash burned by protesters at his residence during the GenZ movement last September.

As part of the investigation, Nepali authorities have frozen his domestic assets and bank accounts.

Following the establishment of the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, arrest warrants were issued for Deuba and his wife by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation.

Attempts to issue a Red Corner Notice through Interpol while he was overseas were unsuccessful.

However, the Supreme Court annulled the arrest warrant on May 25, which likely influenced Deuba's decision to return.

His return coincides with potential divisions within his party, as his faction plans a national gathering of cadres in Kathmandu on Friday.

Former General Secretary Shashanka Koirala is spearheading efforts for a separate gathering, hoping the Supreme Court will invalidate the January Special General Convention that elected Gagan Thapa as president, replacing Deuba.

Previously, the Supreme Court had legitimized the Special General Convention, allowing the party to contest elections under Thapa's leadership.

Following a disappointing performance in the March 5 elections, Thapa's leadership faced criticism from Deuba's faction.

The faction sought a review of the Supreme Court's April 17 ruling that validated Thapa's faction, and last week, the court agreed to hear the review petition, sending the case back for a fresh examination.

While Deuba's return may invigorate his faction, the ongoing investigation against him and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba, raises uncertainties about their treatment by the state.

His wife and son, Jayabir, have yet to return from abroad. The couple, who faced violence from protesters during the Gen-Z movement, cited medical treatment as the reason for their extended stay abroad, which remains largely unexplained.

Details of their travels have not been publicly shared, and they reportedly moved from Singapore to Hong Kong, with videos of them appearing in Hong Kong circulating on social media, although they have not confirmed their location.

Crucially, questions linger regarding the funding of their prolonged stay and medical expenses, especially in light of the ongoing money-laundering investigation involving the Deuba family.