Corruption Trial Begins Against Suspended Nepal Telecom MD Sunil Paudel Over Illicit Asset Accumulation

The hearing has begun in the corruption case against Sunil Paudel, the suspended Managing Director of Nepal Telecom, concerning the illegal accumulation of assets. The hearing commenced before a bench comprising Special Court Chairman Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Judges Hemanta Rawal and Dilliratna Shrestha.

On Baisakh 9, 2081, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a case against Paudel, claiming he illegally acquired assets while holding a public office, demanding a penalty of NPR 237.546 million. The CIAA also filed a case against Sunil's elder brother, Anil Paudel, seeking confiscation of assets.

The CIAA determined that Paudel earned NPR 11.924 million from salary, allowances, shares, and other sources while in office. Furthermore, the CIAA noted that he spent and invested NPR 249.471 million.

Based on the income and expenditure, the CIAA stated that Paudel's expenditure and assets amounting to NPR 237.546324 million appeared illegal.

The CIAA concluded that Paudel committed corruption while at the National Information Technology Center by purchasing software and hardware for establishing the National Payment System but failing to bring it into operation.