KATHMANDU, March 19: A corruption case involving the misuse of actor Rajesh Hamal’s name has come to light. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a case at the Special Court on Thursday, alleging embezzlement of Rs 1.277 million under the pretext of a documentary purportedly made using Hamal’s image.
The case names Dhokari Rural Municipality Chairperson Prakash Bahadur Saud, Acting Chief Administrative Officer Laxman Sah, and Accountant Bimal Saud, accusing them of misusing public funds for personal gain. Ramji Lamsal (Ram Bahadur Lamsal), chairman of R.J. Twenty Four News and Nav Indreni Foundation, has also been named as a defendant.
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According to the CIAA, Rs 1.5 million was allocated for producing a film under the actor’s name with personal directives. While Rs 1.277 million was paid, the project was found to have seriously violated the Public Procurement Act and related regulations.
Investigations revealed that the procurement was done directly, bypassing competitive procedures, with an advance payment of 35 percent—exceeding legal limits—and without a bank guarantee. CIAA Spokesperson Suresh Neupane highlighted these irregularities in an official statement.
The CIAA further noted that the bills submitted for the film production were suspicious and fraudulent, indicating a premeditated plan to embezzle public funds without actual work.
Chairperson Prakash Bahadur Saud is accused of abusing his position to benefit himself and other defendants, with the CIAA seeking additional punishment. Other defendants are also facing charges under Sections 17 and 22 of the Anti-Corruption Act, with penalties including restitution and maximum possible imprisonment.
