Kathmandu, August 13: Former Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, returned to his homeland on Thursday. Supporters greeted him warmly at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. He had been in Singapore for a “medical check-up” for the past five months.
Upon his arrival via Thailand, he was welcomed by several party leaders, including former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Prakash Man Singh, Bimalendra Nidhi, and Prakash Sharan Mahat, along with numerous party workers.
Supporters chanted slogans in favor of Deuba. He was removed from his party leadership position during a controversial special general convention in January.
Deuba left the country on February 25 for Singapore, reportedly for a “medical check-up.” He remained abroad for months following an attack on his residence during the Gen-Z movement last September, where a significant amount of cash was burned. Since then, he has been under investigation for alleged money laundering.
Nepalese authorities have already frozen his assets and bank accounts as part of the ongoing investigation. Shortly after the current government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office, arrest warrants were issued against Deuba and his wife at the request of the Money Laundering Investigation Department.
The Nepalese government attempted to issue a Red Corner Notice through Interpol against him. However, the Supreme Court revoked the arrest warrant on May 25, which likely prompted Deuba to decide to return home.
His return comes at a time when there are potential rifts within his party, with his faction announcing a national assembly of cadres in Kathmandu on Friday. Former party general secretary Shashank Koirala is working to hold separate meetings. This faction hopes that the Supreme Court will invalidate the special general convention, where Gagan Thapa was elected as the new chair of the party’s central committee.
Previously, the Supreme Court had recognized the special general convention, allowing the old party to contest elections under Thapa’s leadership. However, the party faced a humiliating defeat in the March 5 elections, leading Deuba’s faction to criticize Thapa’s leadership.
This faction has filed a review petition against the Supreme Court’s April 17 decision. Last week, the Supreme Court approved the review petition and sent the case back for a new hearing before a three-judge bench. The outcome of this new hearing will determine the party’s future.
While Deuba’s return may invigorate his faction, it remains uncertain how the government will treat him and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba, who accompanied him abroad. Their son, Jaybir, has not returned to the country.
Deuba and his wife left Nepal citing medical treatment after being severely beaten during the Gen-Z movement. However, the reason for their extended stay abroad remains unclear. The couple has not publicly disclosed details about their travels or the specific medical issues Deuba was addressing.
During this time, it is believed they may have traveled from Singapore to Hong Kong. Videos of the Deuba family in Hong Kong have surfaced on social media, although they have never confirmed their presence there.
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