KATHMANDU, March 18: Vice Chairman of the ruling CPN (Maoist Center) Krishna Bahadur Mahara who was arrested from Kapilvastu district this morning in connection with gold smuggling has been brought to Kathmandu.

Upon arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) earlier this morning, Mahara was taken to the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) office by Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Acharya. 

Preparations are being made to present him before the court today itself, according to a CIB source. 

Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane had instructed the CIB to proceed with the investigation process against all those involved in the gold smuggling case, including Mahara.

A high-level commission of inquiry formed to investigate gold smuggling had recommended that Mahara be prosecuted.