KATHMANDU: The former planning chief of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), Saroj Bhattarai, and another person are the targets of a case brought before the Special Court by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). Bribery, corruption, and money laundering offenses are among the charges.
Bhattarai is charged with buying two land parcels in Bhaktapur using his mother Janak Nandani Bhattarai's name. The land size is 2 ropanis 9 annas 1 daam and 2 annas 1 paisa. It is comprised of plot numbers 1374 and 1375. It is believed that the transaction was funded by LDT-affiliated construction companies.
According to the CIAA's investigation, Bhattarai paid the land seller through middlemen from these businesses in an effort to hide the real source of his riches. There have been accusations of money laundering since it is stated that the land was purchased for a total of Rs 18.5 million.
As per the charge sheet, Bhattarai was the recipient of a bribe of Rs 10.5 million that was credited to multiple accounts associated with distinct building projects. According to the Prevention of Corruption Act of 2002, this transaction constitutes the foundation for the corruption charge.
The CIAA has demanded compensation of Rs 10.5 million from Bhattarai and has requested imprisonment and fines as per the relevant legal provisions. The charge-sheet also calls for the confiscation of the land purchased under his mother’s name.
The case brings to light the more general problem of authority abuse and corruption in government initiatives and trusts. The claimed acts of Bhattarai highlight persistent worries about accountability and transparency in public governance.
The charges will be examined by the Special Court, which will also decide on Bhattarai's fines and any potential property seizure.
