18, Including 3 Former Secretaries and Immigration DG, Face Corruption Charges

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken decisive action against 18 former officials of the Melamchi Water Supply Development. The case, filed at the Special Court, marks a crucial step in holding accountable those implicated in alleged corrupt practices within the project.

According to CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire, the charge sheets have been filed against prominent figures including three former government secretaries – Dr. Sanjaya Sharma, Bhim Prasad Upadhyaya, and Gajendra Kumar Thakur. Additionally, former executive directors and board members are among those named in the case, highlighting the breadth of individuals under investigation.

The CIAA has specified varying amounts to be recovered from the accused, with figures ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of rupees. Notably, former Secretary Gajendra Kumar Thakur faces the highest sought recovery amount of Rs 604.91 million, followed by former board member Chandra Bahadur Thapa and former executive director Surya Raj Kandel.

In a surprising twist, Rudra Singh Tamang, a former board member implicated in the case, currently serves as the director-general of the Department of Immigration, raising questions about the depth of the alleged corruption’s impact across various sectors.

The CIAA’s pursuit of justice extends beyond individuals directly involved in the project, as it seeks to recover significant sums from consultant and construction companies involved in the Melamchi Water Supply Development. This multi-faceted approach underscores the agency’s commitment to rooting out corruption at every level.

With corruption remaining a pressing issue in Nepal, the CIAA’s proactive stance sends a clear message that accountability will be upheld, regardless of one’s position or influence. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches closely, hopeful for transparency, integrity, and justice to prevail.