The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has accused 97 individuals of corruption.
This case centers on the suspected improper registration of 60 ropanis of public land in Morang district. Notable figures among those charged include former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and former minister Dr. Minendra Rijal.
The CIAA is pursuing 734.9 million rupees in damages from the accused.
The main allegation involves the improper exemption and registration of public land under Rijal and Company, allegedly facilitated by a cabinet decision.
The CIAA claims the involved parties contributed to these irregularities.
Key Defendants: Former PM Nepal and Dr. Rijal
Former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and former Parliamentary Affairs Minister Dr. Minendra Rijal are significant political figures named in the case.
Others include former Land Reform Minister Dambar Shrestha and former Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire, who tragically died in a car accident. His daughter, Kamala Ghimire, is also among the defendants.
The CIAA has charged several former senior government officials involved in the decision making processes.
Charges Against Former Secretaries and Officials
Former Secretary Chhabi Raj Pant and former Joint Secretary Ramesh Chandra Adhikari are included in the charges.
Additionally, former under secretaries Gandhi Prasad Subedi, Hupendra Mani KC, Nurpati Kandel, Hari Raj Pant, Dr. Arjun Khadka, Laxman Thapa, and Dhruva Sapkota are named. Former Section Officer Balram Niraula is also listed.
Land Administration Officials Charged
Several former officials from the Department of Land Reform and Management are implicated, including former Director General Rajendra Sharma, former Director Narayan Adhikari, former Under Secretary Baburam Khanal, former Section Officer Sitaram Pokharel, and former Non Gazetted Officer Buddh Bahadur Karki.
Various land revenue officers are also charged, bringing the total to 97 individuals.
Recovery of 73.49 Crore Rupees Sought
The CIAA’s case involves the exemption of 60 ropanis of land in Morang district, registered under Rijal and Company. They seek 734.9 million rupees in damages due to the alleged corruption.
This case has been submitted to the Special Court, which will review the allegations and evidence.
Court to Determine Accountability
Filing a corruption case does not imply guilt. The Special Court will assess the allegations against the 97 defendants through legal proceedings and establish their legal responsibility based on the evidence.
This case has attracted attention due to the involvement of former high-ranking politicians, ministers, secretaries, and officials from government land offices.