Former Director General of Revenue Investigation Department Released on NPR 2.5 Million Bail in Corruption Case

Kathmandu. The Special Court in Kathmandu has ordered the release of Jhalakram Adhikari, former Director General of the Department of Revenue Investigation, on a bail of NPR 2.5 million in a case involving money laundering and bribery.

On Tuesday, the bench comprising Special Court Chairman Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and members Hemanta Rawal and Umesh Koirala ordered his release on a bail of NPR 2.5 million. Following the bail hearing in court, the bench determined that it was not necessary to keep Adhikari in custody during the trial, but also ruled that he could not be released on a simple date. Based on the evidence attached to the case file, bank statements, call details, and statements from other defendants, the court ordered his release on a cash bail of NPR 2.5 million or an equivalent bank guarantee, requiring him to appear on scheduled dates.

Adhikari is accused of abusing his authority while serving as the Director General of the Department of Revenue Investigation, showing favoritism in revenue leakage control and investigation. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) alleged that he conspired with other defendants to accept a bribe of NPR 7 million and subsequently laundered the amount with the intention of concealing it.

According to the CIAA's charge sheet, it was found that Adhikari used NPR 5 million of the bribe money to purchase land in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur, in the name of Rabindra Lamichhane, and NPR 2 million to repay a loan for 'The Kuti Resort,' which is operated by Devendra K.C. and others.