The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has chosen not to file corruption charges against three former ministers involved in the Biratnagar land swap controversy, while 97 others will face prosecution.
The former ministers include Umakanta Chaudhary, Rakam Chemjong, and Man Bahadur Shahi.
This decision follows claims of improper land swapping in Biratnagar.
Three Former Ministers Not Charged with Corruption
The anti corruption body’s decision not to charge the three former ministers comes as they join former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and others in facing corruption allegations.
In total, 97 individuals are implicated in the case.
Despite their roles in the Cabinet’s Social Committee, the CIAA opted not to pursue charges against them.
Former Ministers Claim Lack of Knowledge
In interviews, the three stated they were unaware that the land swap decision lacked proper authorization.
They claimed they were only informed about issues relevant to their ministries during Cabinet Social Committee meetings.
They mentioned that the decision was made after committee coordinator Dr. Minendra Prasad Rijal requested secretary Ram Chandra Man Singh to draft notes on the matter.
Statements Used as Evidence
The CIAA referenced a decision from the Cabinet Social Committee dated December 31, 2009, to support the former ministers’ claims.
While the commission noted their presence during the decision making process, it found insufficient evidence to file charges.
As a result, no further action will be taken against the three ministers for now.
However, legal action remains a possibility if new evidence arises.
97 People Charged in Biratnagar Land Case
The corruption case involves allegations of improper land swaps that should have been under government control.
The CIAA has charged former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, Social Committee coordinator Dr. Minendra Prasad Rijal, and 95 others with corruption.
The decision not to charge the three former ministers is significant, as they were part of the same committee.
Possibility of Legal Action with New Evidence
The CIAA has indicated that their decision not to charge the three former ministers is based on the current evidence available.
If new evidence surfaces, they can pursue legal action.
The Biratnagar land swap case represents a major investigation into public land misuse and irregularities in government decisions.