Former Nepali premier Deuba returns home, faces graft probe

Former Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has returned to Nepal after facing allegations of money laundering. He was arrested in April on charges related to the alleged corruption, making him one of the latest high-profile individuals targeted under the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

Deuba, who is 80 years old, was received with enthusiasm by his supporters as he left for the airport in Kathmandu, where hundreds of people lined the streets to greet him. His wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, also faces similar allegations.

According to Nepal police spokesman Abi Narayan Kafle, Deuba's case is being handled by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, and security is being provided for him at the airport and during his rally. Kafle also mentioned that a warrant has been issued for Deuba's wife as well.

Deuba denies the allegations of money laundering. His political career came to an end in January after younger members of the Nepali Congress party pushed for a leadership change. The current administration has launched a crackdown on high-profile political figures following their victory in the recent elections, which were marked by a youth-led political change and protests against corruption and economic hardship in Nepal.

Deuba's tenure as president of the Nepali Congress ended after he faced criticism over his handling of the 2025 protests. Videos of protesters attacking the Deuba couple surfaced online, and during a commission investigation, he claimed that the videos might be fabricated. The commission has recommended further investigation into the cash allegedly found at his home and other properties.