Investigation Launched into Alleged Bribery for Driving License Exams at Itahari Transport Office

An investigation has been launched following complaints that individuals who failed the driving license examination at the Transport Management Office in Itahari are being passed based on financial transactions and 'setting' (collusion). The investigation commenced based on a complaint filed with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, leading to the transfer of the Office Chief, Satish Satyal, to the Ministry.

There are also allegations that 'setting' occurs even in the mandatory health check-up required for obtaining a license. Specifically, complaints were filed alleging that examinees who failed due to vision or other health standards were being passed through collusion between staff and middlemen under the pretext of a 're-check'.

According to Ministry Secretary Asman Tamang, the Ministry increased surveillance on the office after receiving serious complaints that even those who failed the health check-up were being passed. Following irregularities found during monitoring, the Office Chief, Ninth Level Officer Satish Satyal, was removed from his responsibilities and transferred to the Ministry.

The Ministry has formed an investigation committee to probe the matter. Tamang informed that a five-member committee has been formed under the coordination of Urmiladevi Niroula, Head of the Ministry's Transport Management Division.

The committee includes the Ministry's legal advisor, an IT expert, and administrative staff. Secretary Tamang stated that the committee has been mandated to submit its report within 15 days.

'We have sealed the files following complaints that those who failed the health check-up were passed. The Office Chief will not be assigned any responsibility until the investigation committee's report arrives,' said Secretary Tamang.

Meanwhile, the transferred Office Chief, Satish Satyal, claimed the allegations against him were baseless but stated he would not comment further as an investigation is underway. He asserted that the office's work is transparent and maintained his innocence.

According to Ministry sources, it is suspected that not only Satyal but also other employees are involved in this irregularity. It is reported that some employees, having worked in the transport and land revenue offices in the same area for decades, have strong networks with middlemen. Senior Section Officer Subash Karki has currently been assigned the responsibility of acting chief at the Itahari Transport Management Office.