Either control anomalies or resign from posts: CIAA spokesperson tells authorities
KATHMANDU, Nov 30: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) says a probe into anomalies in sale, availability, prices and distribution of petroleum products and other essential goods will start on Monday as it looks to control the ongoing black market and institutional crimes in the market.
Black is bold
The anti-graft body has also warned related government bodies and officials either to deliver some visible effort to control the black market and institutional crimes, resign from their posts immediately or be ready to face action.
Speaking at a press conference in Kathmandu after a meeting to discuss black market issues with responsible government bodies and make public the report of anomalies in the distribution of relief to earthquake victims, CIAA spokesperson Krishna Hari Puskar said: "We have urged regulatory bodies time and again to be serious enough about control black market of petroleum products and food commodities. However, the bodies seem to be sleeping and some so-called bureaucrats in higher positions of the government are reported to be promoting such institutional crime themselves."
"CIAA will now keep a close eye on activities of all regulatory bodies and activities of bureaucrats. We will begin probing reported anomalies from Monday itself and take action on all found guilty," Puskar added.
Puskar also said CIAA had begun a detailed investigation into anomalies at Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). "We have received complaints that NOC, being a regulatory body in itself, is promoting black market and institutional crimes," Puskar said, adding: "Serious actions will be taken against such so-called government officials if their anomalies are proved."
Puskar also said CIAA was forced to extend its jurisdiction of investigation and probe the ongoing anomalies as the government failed to show its presence anywhere in the market.
"Do something visible so that sufferers from black market activities get some relief," CIAA directed authorities, adding: "Otherwise, get ready for penalties."
On the occasion, Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Ek Narayan Aryal said regular activities to control black market of petroleum products was affected by lack of proper information from other government bodies. Criticizing NOC for not properly coordinating with the CDO office to manage fuel distribution, Aryal said: "NOC is reluctant about providing us information on the supply mechanism of petroleum products and the amount of fuel that enters Kathmandu on a specific day."
Yadav Prasad Koirala, Chief District Officer of Lalitpur, said that CIAA should initiate take action against big corporate houses and institutions involved in promoting black market of essential goods.
On the occasion, NOC spokesperson Mukunda Ghimire said all focus has been on increasing the supply of petroleum products. He said NOC had been doing its best to systematize the distribution of available stock of petroleum products in the market. The meeting also had participation of officials of Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Ministry of Commerce and Supplies (MoCS) and chief of police from all three districts of the Kathmandu Valley
