KATHMANDU, Oct 14: Home Minister of the interim government, Om Prakash Aryal, has urged the victims of the Giribandhu Tea estate land case to formally file a complaint if they wish to reopen the investigation.
Speaking to journalists at Singha Durbar on Monday, Minister Aryal clarified that the government will only move forward with the case once a written complaint is filed by the concerned party.
“The minister does not go around filing complaints himself,” Aryal said. “The state machinery will move forward the process only after the victim files a written complaint.”
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Aryal said that the government operates according to the rule of law, not personal or political orders. “Earlier it was by orders, now it is by law,” he said, adding “the state now functions based on evidence, law and complaints.”
Minister Aryal also expressed confidence that the upcoming elections will be held on the scheduled date, stating that the interim government is functioning smoothly in accordance with legal procedures.
The controversy surrounding the Giribandhu Tea Estate land dates back to April 26, 2021, when the former Oli-led government decided to allow the sale and distribution of 343 bighas (2323010. Sq meter) of the Giri Bandhu Tea Estate in Jhapa. Subsequently, the incumbent Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, as an advocate, filed a petition at the Supreme Court, alleging political corruption in the decision.
Responding to the same writ petition, the SC had overturned the decision of the previous government led by KP Oli to allow land swapping in the Giri Bandhu Tea Estate case in Jhapa on February 7, 2024.
The full text of which later ended once and for all the prospect of the utilization or exchange of the land for purposes other than those specified, surpassing the established land ceiling designated for certain purposes.
