Summary:
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed corruption charges against Pradeep Pariyar, the former Chief Administrative Officer of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, along with six other officials. They are accused of irregularities in awarding a sewer construction contract for the Samakhusi Corridor and Basundhara Mhepi projects.

The contract, worth Rs224 million, was given to Kalpavriksha Kohinoor JV, despite a lower bid of Rs180.9 million submitted by Samanantar Sewa Pvt Ltd. This allegedly caused a loss of Rs43.17 million to the state.

Along with Pariyar, who served as CAO from January to October 2024 before transferring to the Department of Information and Broadcasting as Director General, the other accused include Ravindra Man Shrestha, Yubaraj Adhikari, Basanta Acharya, Namaraj Dhakal, Uttam Dahal, and engineer Janardan Giri.

The CIAA has filed the case in the Special Court and is demanding fines equivalent to the losses and custodial sentences for those involved. The assistant spokesperson of CIAA stated that the accused deliberately disqualified the lowest bidder to favor another contractor, causing financial damage to the public institution.

Archive: https://archive.is/rmgjv