NCP Achham leader accused of taking Rs 3 lakh commission for unimplemented provincial plan

Dhangadhi: Dharanidhar Jaishi, a leader of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) in Achham, is accused of taking Rs 3.05 lakh from Uttam Ratoki of Purchaudi-7, Baitadi, by promising to implement a provincial government plan.

Jaishi, a resident of Turmakhad Rural Municipality, Achham, initially requested a loan of Rs 1 lakh from Ratoki for medical treatment. When Ratoki asked for repayment, he claims Jaishi demanded additional money, stating that he would secure a plan for an embankment and irrigation canal from the provincial government.

“Dharanidhar Jaishi initially asked me for a loan of Rs 1 lakh before last year’s budget, claiming he was going to New Delhi for treatment. Later, he demanded Rs 3,05,000 more, promising to implement the provincial plan. The plan was never executed, and the money has not been returned,” Ratoki said.

Ratoki, who is also an NCP supporter, stated that Jaishi had promised to implement four to five irrigation canal and embankment plans. He further claimed that he had paid for food and drinks at a hotel for the people involved in the plan. After the plans were not executed, Ratoki approached Jaishi for a refund, which he has not received.

Ratoki has filed a complaint with the NCP provincial committee, but no action has been taken to recover the money. NCP provincial assembly parliamentary party leader Khagraj Bhatta commented that both parties were at fault, saying that paying money to secure a plan is illegal in itself.

Jaishi admitted to taking the money and stated that he plans to return it, but it will take time. “Ratokiji’s Rs 300,000 should be repaid. Some issues involving four to five people need to be resolved first. I will return the money within 15–20 days,” he said.

However, Ratoki noted that Jaishi, who had promised repayment last Magh, has not returned the Rs 3 lakh and is no longer in contact with him by phone.