AFP, Kathmandu

Nepal’s home minister stepped down yesterday over growing criticism of his finances, the second member of the cabinet to leave the new government just weeks after it was formed.

Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests in September that toppled Nepal’s previous government, said he was leaving his post to ensure a “fair investigation”.

“For me, morality is greater than a position, and there is no greater power than public trust... Public life should be clean, leadership should be accountable,” said 38-year-old Gurung, who took office on March 27.

Gurung is the second minister to leave the new government after the labour minister Deepak Kumar Sah was dismissed over allegations of committing misconduct by getting his wife appointed to a health insurance board.

Dipa Dahal, press advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, confirmed Gurung’s resignation had been received.

Gurung participated in the deadly protests that began as a demonstration against a brief social media ban, but were fed by wider grievances over corruption and a poor economy.

At least 76 people were killed and more than 2,500 wounded during the two days of violence in September.

In January, Gurung joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and won a seat in parliament after the party swept to a landslide victory in the March elections.

Gurung made headlines a day after taking his oath of office for arresting former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak for their alleged involvement in the deadly crackdown on protesters in September.

But soon he himself was beset by allegations over his financial investments and assets, as well as links with a businessman being investigated for money laundering.

Last week, Shah and his cabinet disclosed their assets to the public, in line with local laws requiring lawmakers to declare their financial status.

Soon after the disclosure, local media reported that Gurung had not revealed some of his financial investments.