The Department of Revenue Investigation (DRI) has filed two cases at the Patan High Court against nine individuals, including five Indian nationals, accusing them of smuggling gold worth Rs260 million.

According to a notice released by the DRI, the District Police Office, Makwanpur, had seized over 8 kilograms (8,243.970 grams) of gold being smuggled illegally. Based on the investigation, the Revenue Investigation Office in Pathalaiya filed the case under the Patan High Court's Hetauda Bench.

Those charged include Ayush Sapkota of Kavre, Ravindra Waiba Tamang of Panauti, Binod Pun of Parbat, and Indian nationals Ajinath Kute, Rahul Vitthal, Rahul Gorakh Dagade, and Hanmant Vitthal. Two Indian nationals, Ajinath and Rahul, were arrested at Ratmate, Makwanpur, in October while transporting biscuit-shaped gold pieces from Janakpur to Kathmandu. The remaining accused are at large.

In another case, the DRI charged Soni Kumari Sah of Saptari and Sujit Saraf of Bihar, India, for smuggling 491.13 grams of gold in jewellery and small pieces, which were seized at Ratmate. Sujit was presented before the court, and the investigation concluded that Rs13.46 million in damages and fines should be recovered from the duo.

The DRI has requested the maximum penalties under the Revenue Leakage (Investigation and Control) Act, 1995. The seized gold has been handed over to the Nepal Rastra Bank.