CIAA files graft case against KMC’s former chief administrative officer, six others

KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against seven individuals, including former Chief Administrative Officer of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Pradip Pariyar, at the Special Court on Wednesday.

Pariyar currently serves as the Director General of the Department of Information and Broadcasting.

Issuing a statement on Wednesday, the CIAA said it filed the charges over alleged irregularities in the tender process for sewer construction along the Samakhushi Corridor.

Those charged include members of the bid evaluation committee—Ravin Man Shrestha, Shiva Raj Adhikari, Basanta Acharya, Namraj Dhakal, Janardan Giri, and Uttam Dahal.

The committee is accused of awarding the contract to Kalpavriksha-Kohinoor JV, which had quoted Rs 224 million, despite a lower bid of Rs 180.92 million submitted by Samanantar Construction Service Pvt Ltd.

The CIAA has claimed that the decision caused a loss of Rs 43.17 million to Kathmandu Metropolitan City.