Court Orders Witness Examination in Corruption Case Against Kathmandu Development Authority Sub-Engineer

The Special Court has issued an order to examine witnesses in the corruption case filed against Sub-Engineer Kumar Poudyal, who was working for the Divyeshwori Land Integration Project operated by the Kathmandu Valley Development Authority in Bhaktapur.

The bench comprising Special Court Chairman Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Judges Dilliratna Shrestha and Bidur Koirala issued the order to examine witnesses on Monday.

A corruption case involving over three and a half crore rupees has been filed against Poudyal. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case in the Special Court on Sunday, accusing him of acquiring illegal assets worth NPR 36.321 million through acts contrary to his official integrity.

According to the CIAA, Poudyal committed corruption amounting to the said sum during the period from Baisakh 9, 2051 BS to Ashar 31, 2080 BS. During this period, while his legitimate income was only NPR 25.897 million, assets totaling NPR 62.218 million were found, including expenses for house construction, land purchase, study expenses, investment in Peace Banquet & Restaurant Pvt. Ltd., vehicle purchase, share purchase, loan repayment, gold purchase, insurance premium payments, and bank balances.

Since the deficit showed a negative balance of NPR 36.321 million, confirming the acquisition of illegal assets, the CIAA has sought punishment under Section 15 of the former Prevention of Corruption Act, 2017, and Section 20(1) of the prevailing Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059.