Authorities have intensified investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving broker Deepak Bhatt, with several high-ranking government officials now under scrutiny for suspected involvement.

The case against Bhatt, who is currently in custody at the Sanepa police facility in Lalitpur under a money laundering investigation, was initially scheduled to be forwarded to the government attorney’s office on Friday. However, the process has been delayed after new evidence surfaced, indicating possible links to former and current senior bureaucrats.

According to sources, materials recovered during recent raids suggest that multiple high-level officials—including former secretaries, incumbent secretaries, joint secretaries, and undersecretaries—may have provided administrative support to Bhatt and his associates over several years. Investigators now believe it is necessary to record statements from these individuals before proceeding further.

Preliminary findings indicate that at least three top-ranking officials, whose names reportedly begin with the letter “M,” were involved in financial dealings with Bhatt. In the next phase, nearly half a dozen additional senior officials are expected to come under investigation.

Among those named in early inquiries are Joint Secretary Madan Dahal, Director General of the Inland Revenue Department; former Director General of the Customs Department Mahesh Bhattarai; and former Chairman of the Securities Board Mahesh Baral. Initial findings suggest that these officials may have accepted inducements and acted in ways detrimental to national interest.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact amounts involved in the transactions between Bhatt’s company and the officials. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation is reportedly in the final stages of its probe.

Meanwhile, Santosh Narayan Shrestha, CEO of the Securities Board, has resigned. Baral, who previously rose from representing the Ministry of Finance to becoming Chairman of the Securities Board, also served as chief administrator at the Tribhuvan International Airport Customs Office during his tenure.

Sources confirm that a statement has already been recorded from Inland Revenue Director General Madan Dahal. The case is now likely to be filed in court by Monday.

Investigators say Bhatt’s influence extended beyond financial dealings. Documents seized from his residence in Sanepa reportedly reveal plans related to political appointments, including recommendations for ministerial positions, constitutional roles, and key leadership posts in government agencies.

Further allegations suggest that former Revenue Secretary Dinesh Ghimire had assisted Bhatt by facilitating access to sensitive cabinet-related information during his tenure as joint secretary.

Additionally, Suman Dahal, currently head of the Budget Division at the Ministry of Finance, has been accused of previously shelving Bhatt’s case while serving as Director General of the Department of Money Laundering Investigation, and of attempting to obstruct the current investigation.

Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and more developments are expected as authorities continue to examine financial records and recovered documents.