KATHMANDU, March 1: The Nepali Army, which is investigating a case of financial irregularities against Major General Prem Shahi, arrested two more high-ranking army officers on Wednesday.
According to sources, Colonel Mahendra Shah and Lieutenant Colonel Kuldeep Timsina were arrested on the basis of the statement of General Shahi, who is being prosecuted. These two officers were arrested based on the recommendations of the Court of Inquiry formed to investigate Shahi.
Two more arrested in connection with 100 kg gold smuggling case
Major General Prem Shahi was detained in the barracks for what it said was an investigation into his alleged involvement in financial irregularities.Shahi is known as an officer close to former Chief of Army Staff Purna Chandra Thapa, who had brought a slew of reforms within the army organization. Sources said the latest move of NA leadership to frame a corruption case against Shahi comes as a part of nullifying the court’s order and sending Shahi home to promote an official close to CoAS Prabhu Ram Sharma to the post of major general.
The Supreme Court had issued an interim order on December 18 in favor of Shahi, directing the army headquarters not to implement the decision to release him from duty.
After taking a 15-day leave following the SC order, Shahi had returned back to his regular work on Tuesday only to be arrested by the military police.
Instead of respecting the Supreme Court’s order, Major General Shahi was detained by the army headquarters. Shahi had knocked the door of the Supreme Court alleging the army headquarters was trying to frame him. On the other hand, the army headquarters has termed his steps to seek justice as a breach of military discipline and has accused him of conducting activities against the military organization.
