CIAA files case against Nagarjun municipality mayor

KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 30: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) yesterday filed corruption and money laundering charges against Mohan Bahadur Basnet, the mayor of Nagarjun Municipality in Kathmandu.  

Basnet is accused of misusing his authority to benefit Padma Colony Private Limited, Padma Merchant Company, and Jagatguru Kripalu Foundation Nepal, resulting in significant losses to the state.  

Specifically, the CIAA alleges that Basnet facilitated the sale of a Rs 477 million land parcel to Padma Colony at a significantly reduced price of Rs 232 million.

Furthermore, the charge sheet states that Basnet and his spouse, Urmila Basnet, amassed illicit wealth, with Rs 21.5 million deposited in their bank accounts.  

Raju Prasad Kandel, the proprietor of Padma Colony, is implicated in the scheme, having allegedly paid bribes to Basnet, including Rs 68 million for the land deal and Rs 2.4 million for a wedding party.  

In the corruption case, the CIAA is seeking the recovery of Rs 92 million from Basnet, his spouse, and Kandel.  

Separately, on Sunday, the anti-corruption body filed a money laundering case against the same individuals, demanding the recovery of Rs 132 million.