Graft case filed against former Sudurpashchim Chief Minister Sodari

KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against former Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province, Dirgha Bahadur Sodari, at the Special Court in Kathmandu.

In its charge sheet submitted on Monday, the CIAA alleged that Sodari illegally amassed assets worth Rs 10,838,302.57.

Sodari, a provincial assembly member from the CPN (Unified Socialist), has been charged under the Corruption Prevention Act, 2001. According to the CIAA, he failed to justify the source of his wealth and is accused of misusing his public position to lead an unusually extravagant lifestyle.

The investigation revealed that Sodari’s legitimate income, when he assumed public office between February 7, 2018, and February 21, 2023, amounted to Rs 8,551,334.92. However, his expenditure and investments during the same period totaled Rs 19,389,637.49.

“His expenses—including land purchases, house construction, his daughter’s education, his son’s wedding, investments in industries, insurance premiums, election costs, share purchases and bank deposits—exceeded his legitimate income by Rs 10,838,302.57,” the CIAA said in a statement.

The anti-graft body has also named his wife, Gita, and son, Bobby, as co-defendants in the case, as several properties, houses, and bank deposits were found in their names.