CIAA Presses Corruption Charges Against Eight Individuals Over Irregularities in Road Construction

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken decisive action, lodging corruption charges against eight individuals allegedly involved in irregularities surrounding road construction managed by the Consumer Committee. Among those accused are prominent figures including the former chief administrative officer of Soru Rural Municipality, Birendra Malla, and engineer Prakash Acharya.

In a significant development, a case was filed in the Special Court on Friday, marking a critical step in the pursuit of justice. Alongside Malla and Acharya, six others have been named in the indictment, including Assistant sub-engineer Bikram Budha, Consumer Committee chairman Hasta Bahadur Bumi, treasurer Dhauli Kami, and secretary Kewal Budha.

The CIAA’s investigation has widened its net to implicate Dalbir Sarki, a member of Soru Rural Municipality and convener of the coordination committee, as well as former Ward Chairman of Soru-7, Rajendra Bumi. Allegations against these individuals include collusion in bidding processes, payment discrepancies based on falsified reports, and deviations from contractual obligations during the fiscal year 2077/78.

Key findings from the CIAA’s probe reveal misrepresentation of the road’s width in official documents, processing of payments based on fabricated reports, and incomplete project delivery contrary to contractual terms.

In light of these serious charges, the CIAA is seeking stringent penalties, including a fine of Rs 1,372,000 from each accused individual, along with imprisonment and the demand for compensation. This development underscores the commitment of authorities to combat corruption and uphold the integrity of public projects for the welfare of the community.