Following the issuance of arrest warrants in a money laundering investigation, former Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba, have begun legal consultations. Currently abroad for medical treatment, the couple have been labeled "absconding" by the government.
Arzu Rana Deuba is reportedly coordinating with legal experts—including senior advocates Khamma Bahadur Khati and Sher Bahadur KC—via WhatsApp. Sources indicate they are closely monitoring political developments in Nepal but have not yet confirmed if they will return to face the charges.
The government has warned that it will initiate an INTERPOL "Red Notice" if the couple do not return voluntarily. Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel urged them to assist in the investigation, noting that returning before the Red Notice is issued would be in their best interest.
The Deuba couple left Nepal in late February for India and Singapore, later traveling to Hong Kong. While their secretariat maintains that they remain abroad for ongoing medical care, Deuba released a statement on Wednesday dismissing the investigation as "misleading propaganda."
"I have submitted true asset details to the government as required by law," Deuba stated. "My life has been an open book dedicated to the rule of law and transparency."
He reminded the public of his role in establishing anti-corruption laws during his tenure but did not provide a return date. Legal experts suggest the couple is currently exploring ways to contest the money laundering case from abroad to avoid immediate arrest upon their return.
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