CIAA files graft-case against Rauniyar; promises confidentiality by ending pre-investigation publicity

Kathmandu / Oct 5: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against 12 individuals including Lawmaker Hari Narayan Rauniyar of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) at the Special Court on Thursday.

Rauniyar has been suspended from the post from Thursday itself, the anti-graft body said in a press statement issued today.

Then Chairman of Pappu Construction Company Rauniyar has been accused of using sub-standard materials during the construction of the bridge connecting Gulariya, district headquarters of Bardiya, and Barbardiya municipality.

While filing a charge-sheet at the Special Court against Rauniyar, the CIAA has demanded a fine of Rs 193.2 million.

According to the CIAA, then chiefs of Division Road Office, Nepalgunj duo Manoj Shrestha and Bhanu Joshi have been fined of Rs 92,424,099.19 and Rs 19,588,437 respectively while Nawaraj KC has been charged of Rs 69,246,921. 65.

CIAA promises confidentiality by ending pre-investigation publicity

Meanwhile, the CIAA has adopted a strategy of maintaining confidentiality in investigation process by ending the culture of pre-investigation publicity.

The Commission stated this in a report presented on its behalf to the State Affairs and Governance Committee. The Commission made it clear that its strategy and future course of action would be free of bias and revenge motive. The investigation process would be based on facts, evidences and the rule of law.

CIAA, previously, had received widespread criticism for its activities which were allegedly motivated by the sense of revenge, animosity and intended at defaming particular persons. Therefore, it has promised free, fair and independent investigation process and internal strengthening of the organisation.

At the Committee meeting today, CIAA chief Nabin Kumar Ghimire pledged to bring people indulging in corruption to book.

CIAA has pledged to investigate any irregularities in development projects in order to ensure quality work. “The Commission is committed to checking Illegal activities like public land encroachment, embezzlement of government budget, and corruption in revenue collection,” said CIAA.

The Committee said all bodies are expected to help control corruption, maintain good governance and achieve prosperity.

CIAA has stated that it filed 194 cases against 426 individuals, in fiscal year 2016/17, seeking to recover Rs 403.3 million in misappropriated amount and fine them.

Among these cases, 97 are related to bribe, 64 to fake certificate, 13 concerning damage to and loss of public property, four related to amassing property disproportionate to the legal income, eight related to illegal benefits, five related to revenue misappropriation, and three miscellaneous cases. RSS