Interpol Seeks More Details in Deuba Notice Request

The international policing body Interpol has requested additional details from Nepal authorities after receiving a request to issue a Red Corner Notice against former Prime Minister and former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, former foreign minister Arzu Rana.

The case is linked to an ongoing money laundering investigation being handled by Nepal’s Department of Money Laundering Investigation.

Officials familiar with the process said the request sent through Nepal Police’s National Central Bureau has not yet been approved or rejected. Instead, Interpol headquarters in Lyon has sought more clarification and supporting information before deciding whether to proceed with the notice.

The development has drawn significant attention in Nepal because the investigation involves two high-profile political figures who are currently outside the country. Authorities began international coordination after the couple reportedly did not return to Nepal following a medical trip to Hong Kong.

Interpol Requests Further Clarification

Nepal Police’s Interpol branch had formally communicated with Interpol headquarters seeking the issuance of a Red Corner Notice against Deuba and Rana. However, according to officials involved in the process, Interpol has requested additional information connected to the investigation.

The inquiry is related to an alleged money laundering case being examined by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. Authorities said the correspondence between Nepal and Interpol is still ongoing and the matter remains under procedural review.

Officials indicated that the details already submitted were not considered sufficient for a final decision. Interpol is expected to determine whether the notice should be issued only after reviewing the additional material requested from Nepal authorities.

Questions Raised Over the Investigation Basis

Reports circulating in recent days claimed that Interpol may have questioned whether the legal basis for the money laundering allegation was strong enough to justify a Red Corner Notice. There were also suggestions that concerns had been raised regarding the underlying offense connected to the alleged money laundering case.

Despite those reports, officials familiar with the process said the matter is still active and no final decision has been made by Interpol headquarters.

Authorities did not publicly disclose the exact details requested by Interpol, but confirmed that the communication process between agencies is continuing.

Department Had Obtained Arrest Permission

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation had earlier secured permission to arrest Deuba and Rana as part of the investigation. Following approval from the Kathmandu District Court, the department moved ahead with efforts to seek international assistance through Interpol channels.

The request for a Red Corner Notice was later forwarded through Nepal Police’s National Central Bureau, which serves as the official contact point for Interpol matters in Nepal.

Officials said the process was initiated after the couple remained outside Nepal.

• The arrest permission was obtained from Kathmandu District Court.
• The Department of Money Laundering Investigation initiated the inquiry.
• Nepal Police’s Interpol branch handled communication with Interpol headquarters.
• The request is still under review and no final decision has been announced.

Incident at Budhanilkantha Residence Triggered Investigation

The investigation is connected to an incident that took place on September 9 at the couple’s residence in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu. A fire had broken out at the property, leaving parts of the house damaged.

Deuba and Rana were reported injured during the incident. Videos later circulated publicly claiming that cash had been found inside portions of the burned residence.

The Department of Money Laundering Investigation subsequently launched an inquiry into the matter. Authorities later sought legal permission to detain the couple as part of the investigation process.

Couple Reportedly in Hong Kong for Treatment

According to officials, Deuba and Rana had traveled to Hong Kong for medical treatment. Authorities said the couple did not return afterward, leading investigators to proceed with international coordination mechanisms.

That development prompted the department to seek assistance through Interpol procedures. The request remains under consideration while Nepal authorities continue to exchange information with Interpol headquarters.

Officials did not indicate how long the review process could take or whether additional documents have already been submitted.

No Final Decision Yet From Interpol

At present, Interpol has neither issued nor rejected the Red Corner Notice request against Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arzu Rana. The matter remains under review as Nepal authorities prepare further clarification related to the investigation.

The outcome will depend on whether Interpol determines that the request meets the organization’s standards and procedural requirements. Until then, the case continues to remain in the documentation and review stage between Nepal authorities and Interpol headquarters in Lyon.

The ongoing case has become one of the most closely watched legal and political developments in Nepal due to the involvement of senior political figures and the international dimension of the investigation.