CIAA Launches Corruption Probe After Bribery Arrests in Sarlahi
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has arrested two officials from the Groundwater Resources and Irrigation Development Division Office in Sarlahi over allegations of accepting a Rs 750,000 bribe. The arrests were made during a raid conducted by the CIAA’s Bardibas Regional Office on Friday evening.
The operation took place at the rented residence of Division Chief Anupama Dhakal in Bagmati Municipality–12. During the raid, investigators recovered Rs 821,115 in cash, including Rs 750,000 that was allegedly accepted as a bribe from a service seeker. The money was reportedly found in a sofa where Dhakal and Mechanical Officer Tulakanta Chaudhary were seated. Authorities also seized an additional Rs 71,115 in cash, the source of which is under investigation.
According to the CIAA, the operation followed a complaint alleging that the two officials had demanded a bribe in exchange for releasing payment for completed boring and motor installation works. Investigators monitored the suspects before carrying out the raid and recovering the cash. Both officials have been taken into custody and are currently under investigation on corruption charges. The CIAA said further legal proceedings will continue as the investigation progresses.
