Anti-Graft Body Files Case Against Two Individuals for Giving Adverse Testimony in Corruption Trial

Kathmandu. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case at the Special Court against two individuals who were presented as state witnesses for giving adverse testimony in court. The Commission filed the charge sheet on Thursday against Tej Bahadur Tamang and Sanukanchha Tamang, residents of Changu Narayan Municipality-4, Bhaktapur.

Previously, the CIAA had filed a case against Kumar Acharya, the Chief Land Revenue Officer at the Land Reform and Revenue Office, Bhaktapur, and office assistant Tikaram Raut for allegedly taking a bribe of 2.45 million rupees under the pretext of registering tenancy land (Mohi jaggas). In that case, Tej Bahadur and Sanukanchha were presented as state witnesses with full exemption from punishment.

However, the CIAA stated that during their testimony at the Special Court on Bhadra 23, 2082, they gave statements exactly contrary to the statements they made during the investigation at the Commission.

Although their act of giving a bribe was confirmed during the investigation, the Commission has now made them defendants after they changed their testimony in court.

CIAA Spokesperson Suresh Neupane stated that a claim has been made seeking imprisonment and fines equivalent to the amount of the bribe, amounting to 2.45 million rupees, against them in accordance with the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059.