KATHMANDU, Sept 29: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse and Authority (CIAA) regional office in Bardibas raided the office of Chief Minister in Province 2 on Wednesday afternoon. A team of CIAA investigators has collected documents related to the purchase of several thousand bicycles from the CM’s office during the raid.
According to a source, the raid took place after a complaint was filed with the anti-graft body over the irregularities in the purchase of cycles, which were distributed to girl students by the provincial government under the “Beti Padho, Beti Bachao or Educate Girls, Save them” campaign. Earlier the provincial government had purchased more than 15,000 bicycles worth over Rs 100 million.
Bicycle and laptops distributed to girl students
Provincial lawmakers as well as others had raised questions as the bicycles procured did not have model nor brand engraved in the product. The manufacturer company has also not been mentioned in the procurement documents.
Press coordinator of CM Mohammad Lalbabu Raut said that he is unaware of the CIAA’s raid. “ I am now in Madesh Bhawan. I just came to learn about the raid through you,” he said.
