CIAA files corruption case against six, including official, over road construction in Bajhang

Kathmandu: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has filed a corruption case against Chakradev Bhatta, the then Acting Chief Administrative Officer of Bitthadchir Rural Municipality in Bajhang, and five others. The case has been lodged at the Special Court, alleging corruption during the construction of an irrigation canal and a hume pipe culvert on the Bagthala Dhari Doba Road in Ward No. 9 of the rural municipality.

According to the Commission, payments were made based on false invoices by showing work that was either not carried out in the field or was less than reported. The Commission has claimed that the payments were made with the intention of causing illegal gain or loss to government funds.

The accused include the then Acting Chief Administrative Officer Bhatta, other employees, and five individuals associated with the construction work. They have been charged under Section 8, Sub-section (1), Clauses (c) and (e), and Section 8, Sub-section (4) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 BS.

The Commission has sought a fine of Rs 848,962.22 and corresponding penalties, including imprisonment. It has also demanded the recovery of the said amount.