Khotang CDO Bhojraj Khatiwada suspended after corruption case was registered

Chief District Officer (CDO) of Khotang, Bhojraj Khatiwada, has been suspended from his position after a corruption case was registered against him. The case was filed in a special court on Sunday, and it pertains to alleged corruption related to electricity expansion during his tenure as the chief administrative officer in Siddicharan Municipality of Okhaldhunga.

The Abuse of Authority Investigation Commission took action against Khatiwada, accusing him of involvement in corrupt practices during the electrification project in Siddicharan Municipality-10 in the financial year 2075-076. The investigation revealed irregularities in the procurement of wires, pole transformers, and construction projects required for the expansion of electricity. It is alleged that fake bills were created, and corruption amounting to Rs 4 lakh 77 thousand 899 took place.

Aside from Khatiwada, the Commission also filed a case against several others involved in the project. This includes the Electricity Authority, the then office head of Okhaldhunga distribution center, Sanjiv Sah, the then ward chairman of ward number 10, Damodar Dhamala, the then engineer Amritkumar Dahal, and the then drinking water and sanitation technician Dilkumar Budhathoki.

Following the registration of the corruption case, the Ministry of Home Affairs took swift action and suspended Khatiwada on Sunday. The ministry has yet to announce the appointment of a new CDO to replace Khatiwada. In the interim, Assistant Chief District Officer Pavitra Prakash Shah will serve as the Acting CDO, as stated by the ministry. This suspension comes as a significant development in the efforts to address corruption in public administration and uphold accountability in governance.