CIAA launches investigation into Nagarjun Mayor Mohan Basnet over alleged corruption

Kathmandu, November 13 – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has initiated an investigation into allegations of corruption and the illegal accumulation of assets against Mohan Bahadur Basnet, the mayor of Nagarjun Municipality.

According to a high-level source from the CIAA, multiple complaints have been filed against Basnet, including those on May 12, 2019, July 19, 2019, December 23, 2023 and April 28, 2024. The CIAA is currently investigating all the complaints together.

Allegations Against Mayor Basnet

Abuse of power and accumulation of illegal wealth

Basnet was elected for a second term as mayor in the local elections held in 2022. After taking office, he reportedly constructed a private residence in Sita Home Colony, Nagarjun Municipality-5, worth around 100 million rupees. He is also accused of constructing a shopping mall on the Chakrapath in Bafal, valued at approximately 500 million rupees. The complaint claims these constructions were made using illegally acquired wealth.

Basnet has denied the allegations, stating that the shopping mall was being built with a loan of 200 million rupees from a bank. He clarified that the mall was being developed according to legal procedures.

Acquisition of luxury assets

Further allegations include Basnet purchasing a Prado car worth 50 million rupees with the illegally acquired wealth. Basnet, however, claims that he took a loan from Prabhu Bank to purchase the vehicle and is still paying it off in installments.

Encroachment on government land

Another accusation involves Basnet's approval of the construction of Padma Colony, a large residential project, which allegedly encroached upon government land. The project spans various phases in Nagarjun Municipality-5 and 6. Basnet counters these claims, stating that Padma Colony construction began in 1995, long before he became mayor, and the accusations are false.

Use of illegally acquired assets for sports activities

Basnet is also accused of using the wealth he allegedly amassed while in office for personal gains in the sports sector. The complaint mentions that he contributed to the Nepal Cricket Association to fund a trip to the United States and made financial donations to various sports organizations, including snooker, netball, and table tennis associations, which he used as cover to travel to countries like Canada, Japan, and Australia. Basnet defends this by claiming the municipality provided support to the sports sector, and his international trips followed due process.

Improper appointment of his wife

Basnet's wife, Urmila Basnet, a teacher at a community school, was allegedly given a temporary posting at the municipality's education department in 2022. The complaint alleges that Basnet used his position to facilitate her posting for personal gain. Basnet acknowledges that he had his wife transferred three months before her retirement but insists it was in line with the regulations.

Misuse of public resources

Further allegations against Basnet involve his misuse of public resources, including manipulating the water supply system and exploiting community resources for personal benefits. The complaint claims that Basnet used his power to create artificial water shortages, thereby enabling business ventures connected to water supply and borewell projects. It is also claimed that he operated a water company in Ward 5 under his family and associates' names, generating significant monthly income from water sales.

Basnet has rejected these allegations, asserting that the municipality followed all necessary processes and regulations.

Encroachment of public land and collaboration with land mafias

Basnet is also accused of recommending the inclusion of public and community land in large residential projects and colluding with land mafias to illegally open roads at the municipality's expense. The complaint suggests that Basnet took undue advantage of his position to acquire land near Gairi Dhara Community Forest in Ward 5 for personal gain.

Mayor's response to allegations

In an interview with Ratopati, Mayor Basnet responded to the allegations, stating that the complaints were politically motivated. He explained that after winning his second term in office, without even asking for votes, there had been a surge in complaints against him, which he believes are based on political vendettas. Basnet claims that some of the complaints have already been investigated and cleared by the relevant authorities, including the CIAA, but new allegations continue to emerge.

He also stated that various government bodies, including the Prime Minister, Home Minister, political party leaders, and even the Kathmandu District Administration, have received complaints against him. "I have been facing trouble from the beginning; there are enemies who have filed over 300 complaints against me," he said.

Basnet has urged for a thorough investigation into all the allegations. "If I have done anything wrong, I am ready to face the consequences," he added, challenging authorities to prove any wrongdoing. He emphasized that, as a citizen and mayor, he has the right to earn a living and travel with his family, as permitted by law.

"I am ready to go to jail if I am found guilty," Basnet stated, asserting that he will accept any punishment from the court or investigative bodies if proven wrong.