Former Security Printing Officials Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Corruption

The Special Court (SC) has sentenced Bikal Paudel, former Executive Director of the Security Printing Center, and Phal Shrestha, former Director of the Center, to eight years in prison along with a fine of Rs 34.22 million each for their involvement in a corruption case related to the printing of excise duty stickers.

The ruling was delivered on Thursday by a bench comprising SC Chair Tek Narayan Kunwar and Judges Khusi Prasad Tharu and Ritendra Thapa. The two were convicted on October 30 following a detailed investigation into the misuse of funds in the excise sticker project.

Former Chief Secretary Acquitted

In the same case, Baikuntha Aryal, the former Chief Secretary, was acquitted of all charges.

The corruption case came to light after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed charges against 12 individuals on June 23, alleging financial irregularities in the printing process.

Court Orders Recovery of Misappropriated Funds

In addition to the prison sentences and fines, the court ordered the recovery of Rs 3.86 million from the accused, highlighting the significant financial impact of their actions.

The case underscores Nepal’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and hold public officials accountable for abuse of authority.