The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Friday filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Governor Bijaya Nath Bhattarai and Executive Director of the NRB’s Financial Institutions Regulation Department Surendra Man Pradhan.

NRB Governor Bijay Nath Bhattarai (Photo source : nrb.org.np)

NRB Governor Bijay Nath Bhattarai (Photo source : nrb.org.np)
Following the filing of case at the court, both remain suspended from their official position.

The CIAA has alleged Governor Bhattrai and Pradhan of misusing over Rs 195 million received as foreign aid for financial sector reform programme.

As directed by the anti-graft body, the police arrested Pradhan and presented before the Special Court today. The Special Court has ordered Pradhan to appear before the court on Sunday.

Meanwhile, even though the CIAA, in its charge-sheet, has mentioned that Bhattarai has been avoiding arrest, governor Bhattarai was found meeting with Finance Minister in Finance Ministry in the evening.

“I have been attending office. You can verify the register there. I am doing my official duties. How can I be evading arrest?,” asked Bhattarai after he emerged out of Ministry of Finance in the evening where he had gone to consult with Finance Minister in relation with budget preparations.

Bhattarai added that he has not committed any corruption. “How can a governor commit financial crime?” he asked.

The CIAA is also investigating another case of Bhattarai for misusing the national treasury during the Jana Aandolan II. Rayamajhi commission recommended action against Bhattarai for misuse of national treasury. The government had earlier barred him from flying to Bangladesh.

The CIAA has demanded Rs 25 million penalty from the two accused and two years jail term to each of them.