Nine officials, including the Chief Customs Officer of the Rasuwagadhi Customs Office, have been relieved of their responsibilities in connection with the alleged irregularities involving the customs clearance of electric vehicles (EVs).
According to recommendations made by an investigation committee formed by the Ministry of Finance, the officials were removed from their posts on Jestha 20 and recalled to the Department of Customs. The committee was tasked with investigating allegations that certain vehicles had been granted customs clearance despite not having physically arrived at the Rasuwagadhi border customs point.
Nabin Dhungana, Private Secretary and Public Relations Adviser to Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle, confirmed that the nine employees had been transferred to the Department of Customs.
Finance Ministry Condemns Rumors Targeting Finance Minister
The Ministry of Finance has also expressed serious concern over what it described as rumors and attempts at character assassination linking Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle to allegations surrounding the customs clearance of electric vehicles before the announcement of the national budget.
In a statement issued by Nabin Dhungana, the ministry said that further investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Investigation Extended to Korala Border Point
The ministry stated that the investigation committee is also conducting a field inquiry into electric vehicles that were reportedly cleared through the Korala border point in Mustang district.
Investigation teams led by joint secretaries from the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Customs, with the participation of personnel from Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force, are currently stationed at the concerned locations and carrying out detailed investigations.
The ministry said inquiries are continuing into the vehicles and importing companies that were initially taken under control on suspicion of customs evasion. Detailed findings will be made public at a later stage.
Ministry Objects to ‘Media Trial’
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has objected to what it called propaganda and a “media trial” aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Finance Minister and responsible ministry officials while the investigation process remains underway.
According to the ministry, such actions are intended to create a misleading narrative in society and drag the national budget into unnecessary controversy.
The ministry further stated that legal proceedings have already been initiated against certain individuals allegedly involved in such activities, and similar action may be taken against others as necessary.
Call for Responsible Reporting
The Ministry of Finance has urged media organizations and stakeholders to verify facts with concerned authorities before publishing reports or comments related to the Finance Minister and the ministry.
It also emphasized that news and analysis concerning technical matters such as the economy, the budget, and customs administration should be based solely on accurate and verified information.
