Nepal officials face scrutiny over alleged links to middleman Inam Sapkota

Senior officials in Nepal’s judiciary and security agencies are facing intense scrutiny following allegations of connections to Inam Sapkota, a suspected middleman arrested on October 1 at Tribhuvan International Airport. Digital forensic examinations of Sapkota’s mobile phone have reportedly revealed communications involving high-ranking figures.

Reports indicate that Sapkota allegedly attempted to influence a pending Supreme Court case through messages to Justice Hari Prasad Phuyal. Furthermore, forensic data suggests Sapkota requested money deposits into accounts associated with the names of several officials, including Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma and the Inspector General of Police, Dan Bahadur Karki.

Other names mentioned in the investigation include Banshi Dahal, a retired AIG of the Armed Police Force, and former AIG Bishwaraj Pokharel. While the individuals involved have issued denials and clarifications, the investigation by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation continues as conflicting claims emerge regarding the nature of these communications.