Corruption Case Filed Over Misuse of Actor Rajesh Hamal's Name for Documentary Funds

Kathmandu. Corruption has been uncovered through the misuse of the name of celebrated actor Rajesh Hamal. This revelation came after the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption case at the Special Court on Thursday, alleging embezzlement of NPR 1,277,250 in the name of a documentary supposedly made using his photograph.

A case has been filed against Prakash Bahadur Saud, Chairman of Dhakari Rural Municipality in Achham, acting Chief Administrative Officer Laxman Sah, and Accountant Bimal Saud for corruption through the misuse of public property. Ramji Lamsal (Rambadur Lamsal), Chairman of R.J. Twenty Four News and Nava Indreni Foundation, has also been named as a defendant in the same case.

According to the CIAA, a budget of NPR 1.5 million was allocated for producing a film allegedly involving Rajesh Hamal's name and personal direction, out of which NPR 1,277,250 was paid. However, the CIAA concluded that the procurement process severely violated the Public Procurement Act and Regulations.

The investigation revealed that the payment was made through direct procurement, bypassing competition and procedures, an advance payment exceeding the legal limit of up to 35% was given, and the amount was disbursed without obtaining a bank guarantee, as stated in the press release issued by CIAA Spokesperson Suresh Neupane.

The CIAA stated that the bills submitted for film production were suspicious and fake, and it was found that corruption was systematically planned through collusion to embezzle government funds without any work being done.

The CIAA has sought maximum punishment for Rural Municipality Chairman Prakash Bahadur Saud, alleging he abused his position with malicious intent to benefit himself and other defendants.

Furthermore, the CIAA filed the charge sheet at the Special Court demanding recovery of the embezzled amount and the maximum penalty for the other defendants under Sections 17 and 22 of the Prevention of Corruption Act.