According to a CIAA source, the investigators of the constitutional anti-graft body interrogated the minister for five hours. [break]
When asked about the statement of the state minister, CIAA Spokesperson Ishwori Paudyal said, "We cannot share the statement as the investigation is under way."
CIAA had summoned the state minister after evidences collected by CIAA indicated possible involvement of the state minister in bribe-taking.
Yadav arrested red handed while accepting bribes from the people of Mugu on March 1 is currently in the CIAA custody.
According to CIAA sources, the constitutional anti-graft body summoned the state minister on the basis of the statements submitted by Yadav and Mahato´s driver and other available evidences that indicate possible involvement of the minister in bribe-taking.
The source said CIAA officials concluded that there might be the minister´s involvement in bribe-taking as Yadav had used the state minister´s vehicle while going to collect the bribe.
Besides, CIAA had obtained a recorded conversation in which the minister was heard asking one Khadga Bahadur Shahi to talk to his personal assistant. Yadav had sought bribe to approve a file relating to awarding compensation to 72 families affected by the expansion of Rara National Park some 35 years ago.
The state minister had sent the file to the minister for approval following the arrest of his personal assistant. This has led CIAA investigators to doubt state minister´s involvement in the bribe-taking incident, said the source.
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