The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is continuing hearings in the corruption case related to the procurement of Teramax technology. The case involves 16 defendants, including former minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet, former Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA) chairman Digambar Jha, and members Dhanraj Gyawali and Tikaprasad Upreti.
The CIAA has demanded a compensation of NPR 3.51 billion. According to the commission, the defendants made the decision to procure the Teramax system without proper legal framework and necessary studies. The system, capable of international call monitoring and VOIP surveillance, was acquired despite the absence of legal provisions, which CIAA considers a violation.
During the hearing, the defendants claimed they acted under pressure and followed due process. However, the commission expressed skepticism regarding these explanations. The court is proceeding with the case by reviewing evidence and testimonies.
The presiding judge emphasized the need to carefully consider the authority’s decision-making process, the autonomy of public bodies, and safeguards to protect citizen privacy as the trial progresses.
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