KATHMANDU, Dec 11: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has asked the government to suspend Khagendra Rijal, chief district officer (CDO) of Dolakha, from his position immediately, saying that a bribery investigation against him is underway. 

Issuing a press statement, the anti-graft body has instructed the government not to let Rijal to stay in office. Rijal has been transferred to the home ministry from Dolakha after media reported his involvement in  bribe cases. 

The directive from the anti-graft body comes after CDO Rijal, who has been accused of collecting money from  the service-seekers while settling a public offense case, was transferred to the home ministry. The anti-graft body believes Rijal's stay in office could destroy evidences and affect the investigation into the matter. 

Rijal has been accused of seeking bribe from Kumar Lama of Melung Rural Municipality-4 over a public offense case, promising to settle the case. Rijal has been accused of receiving bribes from other service seekers too. 

Before working as the CDO of Dolakha, Rijal had worked as the assistant spokesperson for the CIAA for some three years. 

Corruption in Nepal's key constitutional bodies including the anti-graft bodies like CIAA is rampant, recent media reports show. Officials working there including commissioners are often accused of bribery and misconducts by abusing their authorities. 

Earlier, CIAA commissioner Raj Narayan Pathak had resigned from his position after he was accused of being involved in a bribe case. 

 
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