KATHMANDU, June 15: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against three former officials of a community forest users’ group in Surkhet, alleging financial irregularities of around Rs 715,916.
In a charge sheet filed on Sunday at the Special Court in Kathmandu, the anti-graft body named former chairperson Lok Bahadur Mhatara, secretary Maan Kumari Paudyal, and treasurer Dal Bahadur Budha of the Sajagotheri Community Forest Users’ Group in Bheriganga Municipality.
According to the CIAA, the accused individuals were involved in the misuse of public resources through collusion during the sale of timber and in various administrative expenses during fiscal years 2020/21 and 2021/22.
Tree house and fishing in Yalambar
The investigation found that out of around 1,000 cubic feet of timber cut, 981.24 cubic feet was sold, resulting in a reported shortfall of Rs 95,118.80 compared to the minimum rate. The remaining amount was allegedly misappropriated for personal benefit.
Similarly, irregularities were found in timber processing expenses, where an excess expenditure of Rs 366,916.05 was shown compared to actual rates, causing financial loss to the institution.
The report also found irregularities in payments made to a forest guard. While accounting records showed Rs 220,000 was paid, only Rs 130,000 was actually received, with Rs 90,000 allegedly misappropriated through falsified receipts.
In another instance, former chairperson Mhatara reportedly received Rs 120,000 during a visit to Kathmandu for amendments to the group’s statute, without proper documentation or proof of expenditure.
Additionally, Rs 52,000 was shown as house rent expenses, but the landlord confirmed receiving only Rs 8,000, indicating that Rs 44,000 was claimed through fake receipts.
The CIAA has fixed the total alleged misappropriation at Rs 715,916 and has sought punishment and recovery under Nepal’s Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059.
