Kathmandu
Former Nepal Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has been charged with corruption in a major land scam. This marks the first time a former Prime Minister in Nepal has faced corruption charges. The case was filed by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) at the Special Court on Thursday.
The charges relate to the misappropriation of land purchased under government exemptions. Nepal, now chairman of CPN-Unified Socialist, is accused of approving the misuse of these exemptions during his time in office in 2010. The land was meant for yoga centres and herbal industries but was sold illegally.
The CIAA is demanding Nepali Rupees 186 million from Nepal and has charged 94 others in the same case. The former cabinet had approved the purchase of hundreds of ropanis and bighas of land in Banepa, Lamjung, Dang, and other districts. However, soon after the approval, the land was sold to a private company.
Officials involved in the decision included then Land Reform Minister Dambar Shrestha and other top bureaucrats. An officer who objected, Director General Keshar Bahadur Baniya, was removed from his position and replaced by Jit Bahadur Thapa, who approved the sale.
Following the registration of the case, Madhav Kumar Nepal’s position as Member of Parliament has been suspended. Investigations have found that land was bought and sold at suspiciously low prices, indicating financial irregularities.
This corruption case has shocked the nation and may have long-term effects on Nepal’s political and legal systems.