Kathmandu, June 9 -- Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Sudan Gurung, who stepped down as home minister in April, has returned to the post less than two months later.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to Gurung, as well as to independent lawmaker Mahabir Pun, who was appointed minister for science, technology and innovation.

Gurung's path back to the Cabinet was cleared after a government-formed investigation committee concluded that nothing unusual was found in his landholdings. However, the committee has yet to reach a definitive conclusion regarding his financial transactions and share investments.

The investigation found that Gurung owns 19 ropani and 15 annas (1.014 hectares) of land in Karkichha...