Anti-Graft Body Files Corruption Case Against 5 Over Irregularities in School Building Construction in Bajhang

Kathmandu. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against five individuals, including the then principal, for irregularities in the construction of the building for Shree Sunakuda Secondary School located in Witthadachir Rural Municipality-9, Bajhang.

The Commission filed the charge sheet at the Special Court in Kathmandu on Wednesday, alleging that government funds were misappropriated by over-evaluating the actual work done during the construction of the school's 3-story, 12-room model building.

According to the CIAA, it was found that payments were received by preparing measurement books and bills exceeding the actual field work, through collusion between the School Management Committee and the construction party. The investigation revealed that the state incurred losses by showing work that was not done and by paying amounts that should have been deducted from the supplier under headings such as social security tax and rental tax from the school's internal fund, according to the CIAA.

Those against whom the case has been filed include the then Chairman of the School Management Committee, Ramesh Bahadur Adhikari, Principal Dhan Bahadur Bista, and Accountant Hark Bahadur Bista. A claim of Rs 2,654,683 has been established against them.

Furthermore, CIAA Spokesperson Suresh Neupane informed that a demand for imprisonment and fines has been made against the then Acting Chief Administrative Officer of the Rural Municipality, Ramesh Bahadur Bista, and Sub-Engineer Kiran Bhandari, claiming a principal amount of Rs 2,001,779.