KATHMANDU, August 11: An official of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), who earlier investigated a complaint against Sajha Prakashan but gave a clean chit to Sajha, has been assigned again to probe into the alleged irregularities at the publishing house.
CIAA Undersecretary Ram Prasad Subedi who has been assigned to probe the recent complaints of irregularities at Sajha, had been assigned to investigate such complaints filed at the CIAA in the past. However, Subedi, claiming that there was no evidence of irregularities, gave a clean chitt to Dolindra Prasad Sharma, chairman and general manager (GM) of Sajha, according to sources.
Following news reports published in Republica and Nagarik dailies, the CIAA has shown interest in investing the alleged irregularities at Sajha. But sources said that the investigation could be 'affected' this time again, claiming that Subedi is 'close to Sharma'.
After getting the clean chit from the CIAA, Sharma had claimed that the CIAA would not take any action against him. “The CIAA has given me a clean chit. It's wrong to say that there are irregularities at Sajha,” he said, talking to Republica.
Undersecretary Subedi admitted that he was involved in 'studying' a complaint against Sajha in the past. “It was an initial investigation. I had looked into the case as I was the head of the desk,” he said. But he declined having any 'ties' with Sharma.
Meanwhile, the CIAA on Thursday seized some Sajha documents produced after Sharma's appointment, according to CIAA Spokesman Jiba Raj Koirala. “We are serious about this matter. We will investigate it impartially and take necessary action,” he said.
On the other hand, GM Sharma on Thursday sacked an official hired on contract for not supporting him. GM Sharma sacked Sunita Bhattari, who was appointed by Sharma, for going against Sharma's activities. Her contract would end after 23 days.
Let Sajha rise
