CIAA Files Corruption Case Against Nagarjun Municipality Mayor

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed corruption and money laundering charges against Mohan Bahadur Basnet, the mayor of Nagarjun Municipality in Kathmandu district.

The CIAA alleges that Basnet misused his authority to cause substantial losses to state coffers while amassing personal wealth through illicit dealings with business entities, including Padma Colony Private Limited, Padma Merchant Company, and Jagatguru Kripalu Foundation Nepal.

According to the charge sheet, Basnet facilitated the sale of government land valued at Rs 477 million to Padma Colony at a significantly reduced price of Rs 232 million. Additionally, Rs 21.5 million was discovered in bank accounts held by Basnet and his wife, Urmila Basnet.

The investigation revealed that Raju Prasad Kandel, the proprietor of Padma Colony, provided Basnet with Rs 68 million as a bribe, along with Rs 2.4 million for hosting a wedding party.

The CIAA is seeking the recovery of Rs 92 million from Basnet, his wife, and Kandel. Furthermore, in a separate money laundering case filed on the same day, the anti-corruption body demanded the recovery of an additional Rs 132 million from the accused.

This case underscores the CIAA’s commitment to combating corruption and ensuring accountability among public officials.