Inam Sapkota’s remand extended in money laundering probe, links to former chief justice and suspended AIG emerge

A Kathmandu court has extended the remand of Inam Sapkota as police continue their investigation into alleged money laundering. The probe has uncovered Sapkota’s alleged connections to former Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana and suspended Armed Police Force (APF) AIG Banshiraj Dahal.Sapkota, currently in the custody of the Kathmandu District Police Range, was presented before the Kathmandu District Court on Thursday for a remand extension, following an initial one-day remand granted on Wednesday.Sapkota was arrested by a Special Bureau team of Nepal Police at Tribhuvan International Airport while he was preparing to travel to Delhi. After a day in custody for questioning, the bureau handed him over to the Kathmandu District Police Range.Further police investigation into Sapkota revealed his links with AIG Dahal. Subsequently, on October 6, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended Dahal from the Armed Police Force, citing allegations of official misconduct and leaking sensitive security information.Police had previously detained former Chief Justice Rana for questioning over alleged attempts to influence court proceedings. The investigation later brought Sapkota into focus, with police alleging he acted as an intermediary to facilitate arrangements in such cases.Investigators reportedly found potentially sensitive information on Sapkota’s mobile phone, including conversations related to financial transactions and other monetary details. Police are also investigating alleged exchanges of information between Sapkota and Dahal, which reportedly include claims concerning the activities of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and financial transactions.On Thursday, October 8, 2026, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation raided the residences of former Chief Justice Rana’s brother, Prabhu Shumsher Rana, and his associates, seizing documents as part of their ongoing investigation.The source and purpose of Rs 50 million allegedly found on Sapkota’s mobile phone remain unclear. It has not yet been established whether the contact between Sapkota and Rana involved any criminal activity. Similarly, it is unclear if the information exchange between Sapkota and Dahal included claims about Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s activities and financial dealings.The Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed an investigation officer to probe the allegations against Banshiraj Dahal and has instructed them to submit a detailed report within three days. Dahal’s tenure was scheduled to end on October 13, and the outcome of this inquiry will determine whether his service will be extended or if further disciplinary action will be taken.