All corruption cases must be investigated: Dr. Bhattarai

By Our Correspondent,Rupandehi, Aug. 13: Chairman of the Nepal Samajwadi Party (NSP) Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has said that all corruption cases must be investigated.

He also praised the current government for initiating probes into certain graft cases and has demanded that they be duly taken to their conclusion.

Speaking at a press conference in Butwal on Friday, Bhattarai, who is also a former Prime Minister, said, “To completely eradicate corruption, it is not enough to only penalise individuals. We need to tackle the structure.”

He also emphasised that he was in favour of reopening all past files related to sleaze and claimed that a strong and independent commission was needed to investigate them.

Bhattarai also said that he respected the Supreme Court’s order to investigate him in the Lalita Niwas land grab case. He also said he was ready to help with the investigation.

“A small decision was apparently made when I was the prime minister. That was not my personal move. I am willing to help in any way I can,” he said.

Highlighting the need for an alternative political force in the country, he said NSP was moving to fill that gap. However, hinting at other new parties, he said that no one could truly become an alternative force without a  clear ideology.