Corruption Case Against Former PM Madhav Kumar Nepal Over Patanjali Land Irregularities Set for Hearing

Kathmandu. The hearing date has been set for the corruption case involving former Prime Minister and CPN Co-Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal regarding the land misappropriation case involving Patanjali Yogpeeth and an Ayurvedic company in Nepal.

The case is scheduled to be heard by the bench comprising Special Court Chairman Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Judges Hemanta Rawal and Dilliratan Shrestha. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case against Nepal and 92 others in the Special Court on Jestha 22 in connection with the Patanjali land scandal.

The CIAA has sought a fine and penalty of NPR 185.85 million against Nepal. The CIAA has accused Nepal, in his capacity as the then Prime Minister, of abusing his position to transfer public government property for personal and institutional interests and of being involved in corrupt activities.

The indictment claims that the cabinet led by Nepal, through a meeting on Falgun 6, 2066 BS, approved the transaction of land exceeding the ceiling limit for Patanjali. It is alleged in the charge sheet that Nepal, through a direct order on Magh 18, 2066 BS, facilitated the sale and exchange of land exceeding the ceiling limit for Patanjali.

A case was filed against 93 individuals for illegally selling and misappropriating 314 ropani 15 aana 2 paisa 1 dam of land, with the CIAA claiming a recovery amount of NPR 185.85 million.