The Nepal Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has charged former mayor Devanath Sah Teli and five others with corruption related to financial irregularities in animal, goat, and vegetable market contracts in Siraha district.
The individuals charged include Resham Kumari Thapa (former deputy mayor), Sridhar KC (former chief administrative officer), Ramnarayan Mahato (acting chief administrative officer), Dinesh Kumar Sahani (head of the revenue section), and contractor Birendra Kumar Yadav.
The case involves improper revenue collection from animal, goat, and Gudri markets in wards 6 and 7 of Golbazar Municipality during the 2020/21 fiscal year (2077/78).
These actions allegedly resulted in significant public financial losses due to improper tax exemptions, disputed contracts, and unpaid revenue.
Allegations of Revenue Irregularities
Contractor Birendra Kumar Yadav was tasked with directly collecting revenue from the markets during the 2077/78 fiscal year.
It is claimed that decisions were made without adhering to municipal laws and executive resolutions, leading to improper public revenue collection.
Additionally, tax exemptions were reportedly granted to the contractor without approval from the municipal assembly.
Allegations state that improper tax exemptions totaled Rs. 7,334,913, and revenue was not recovered according to the agreed terms.
Individuals Named in the Case
Six individuals have been identified by the CIAA.
Former mayor Devanath Sah Teli, former deputy mayor Resham Kumari Thapa, and former chief administrative officer Sridhar KC are associated with an alleged amount of Rs. 16,046,344.10.
Acting chief administrative officer Ramnarayan Mahato and revenue section head Dinesh Kumar Sahani have been linked to an alleged amount of Rs. 13,311,431.10.
Contractor Birendra Kumar Yadav is also charged with Rs. 16,046,344.10.
Case Filed Under Corruption Act
The case has been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002 (2059 BS). The commission seeks legal penalties for the defendants.
The investigation focuses on their failure to follow the law, lack of revenue collection, and agreements that led to public financial losses.
The court will determine the outcome, and being charged does not imply guilt.
Importance of Markets for Local Governments
Markets are crucial revenue sources for local governments. Revenue from market contracts supports public services and local development.
Allegations of improper agreements can raise concerns about the management of public assets, approval of tax exemptions, and contractor payments.
This case highlights the need for proper contract management, authorized tax exemptions, and monitoring of revenue owed to local governments.
Ultimately, the court’s decision will reveal if any allegations against the six defendants are substantiated.