Special Court sentences four to prison for Melamchi corruption

Kathmandu, September 23 — The Special Court has determined sentences for four individuals found guilty of corruption in the Melamchi Drinking Water Project. On September 10, the court ruled against former Secretary Gajendra Thakur and three others in connection with irregularities in the project.

Four companies involved in construction and consultancy were also found guilty, while eleven others were acquitted of charges. Among those acquitted were former Secretary Bhim Upadhyaya, Sanjay Sharma, and serving Under Secretary Rudra Singh Tamang.

In today's ruling, the court imposed a sentence of eight years and one month in prison, along with a fine equivalent to the damages for those found guilty.

The decision was made by the bench led by Special Court Chair Tek Narayan Kunwar, along with members Tejanarayan Singh Ray and Murari Babu Shrestha, who sentenced Secretary Thakur to eight years and one month in prison, along with the corresponding fine.