The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court in Kathmandu against 11 individuals accused of irregularities in the construction of the Shree Laxmi Secondary School building in Khotang.
According to the CIAA, although an agreement was signed for the construction worth NPR 3 million, only about NPR 272,000 worth of work was carried out. The remaining amount was embezzled through fake bills and reports to claim payments.
Those indicted include the then District Education Officer, account officers, accountants, sub-engineer, school management committee chairpersons, and principals.
The CIAA has demanded imprisonment, fines, and recovery of over NPR 10 million in embezzled funds.
The case relates to the fiscal year 2014/15 (2071/72 BS), when an agreement was reached between the Khotang District Education Office and the school for the construction of a four-room RCC building. However, site inspections revealed that only work equivalent to NPR 272,000 was completed, while the rest of the amount was misappropriated with fabricated technical reports and payment claims.
Those named in the charge sheet include then District Education Officer Dr. Ganesh Prasad Bhattarai, officials Keshav Prasad Dahal and Gyanmani Nepal, Account Officer Bhuvan Prasad Acharya, Accountant Suresh Kumar Shrestha, Sub-Engineer Shivraj Rai, former School Management Committee Chairpersons Prithvi Dahal and Shesh Kumar Poudyal, Principals Rajendra Prasad Dahal, Rishiram Pokharel, and Nayan Kumar Rai, Accountant Sita Karki, and contractor Arjun Tamang.
CIAA spokesperson Rajendra Kumar Poudel stated that over NPR 10 million in financial irregularities were confirmed, and as collusion for illegal benefit was evident, strict punishment has been sought against all defendants under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2002 (2059 BS).
About the Author
