Former ANFA President Thapa files defamation case against General Secretary Rai

Kathmandu, March 11 — Former president of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Ganesh Thapa, has filed a lawsuit against the current general secretary, Kiran Rai, at the Kathmandu District Court.

Thapa has filed a case against Rai on charges of defamation, according to lawyer Bhupendra Pokharel, who informed Ratopati.

Thapa has requested legal action under sections 306(1) and 306(2)(a) of the Criminal (Code) Act, 2074 (2017) which prohibit such offenses.

He has demanded punishment under section 307(1) and compensation for damages and the expenses incurred in the case.

Section 307 of the Criminal (Code) Act stipulates a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20,000 rupees, or both, for defamation.

If the defamation occurs through electronic or other media, the law also provides for an additional penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of 10,000 rupees.

The code also requires appropriate compensation and reimbursement of case expenses for individuals who defame others through electronic or media channels.

Thapa mentioned that Rai had made unfounded accusations against him regarding the misappropriation of 170 million rupees while Thapa was president of ANFA, and later depositing 80 million rupees into the ANFA account after an investigation into asset laundering.

Thapa also stated that these allegations had led to character assassination.

Thapa had previously filed a complaint against Rai with the police’s Cyber Bureau in Bhotoahiti.