Published: 09:42 AM, 14 August 2026
Former Nepal PM Sher Bahadur returns home despite arrest warrant
Former Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba returned home on Thursday after nearly six months abroad, despite an arrest warrant issued against him in a money-laundering investigation, drawing a large crowd of supporters to Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. The 80-year-old veteran politician, who left Nepal for medical treatment, waved and smiled as hundreds of supporters gathered along the roads leading from the airport. Deuba is a five-time former prime minister and a senior leader of the opposition Nepali Congress.
Nepalese authorities issued an arrest warrant against Deuba and his wife, former foreign minister Arzu Rana Deuba, in April as part of a probe into alleged money laundering and corruption. Deuba has denied the allegations and rejected accusations of wrongdoing.
The warrants had raised questions over whether Deuba would be detained immediately after returning to Nepal. However, Nepal's Supreme Court subsequently issued an interim order preventing authorities from arresting Deuba and his wife while their legal challenge to the warrants is considered. Deuba's return comes at a politically sensitive time for Nepal. He is expected to attend a three-day assembly of the Nepali Congress beginning Friday, where the party's leadership and political strategy are likely to be major issues of discussion.
His return also marks his reappearance in Nepalese public life following a turbulent period for the country's established political leadership. Deuba and his wife were injured during violent Gen Z-led protests in September 2025, when demonstrators attacked and set fire to their residence. The unrest triggered a major political upheaval and contributed to a change in government.
The money-laundering investigation is part of a broader scrutiny of the wealth and financial dealings of senior political figures. Authorities had sought to pursue the case while Deuba was overseas, and Nepal Police had considered international measures to locate him. However, Interpol reportedly declined to issue a Red Notice against the Deuba couple.
Deuba's return is therefore being closely watched both politically and legally. While the Supreme Court order currently protects him from arrest, the investigation remains ongoing, leaving his political future intertwined with the outcome of the legal proceedings.
