CIAA files corruption case against former CM Sodari

BY A STAFF REPORTER,Kathmandu, June 3: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed a corruption charge sheet against Dirgha Bahadur Sodari, Sudurpaschim Province former Chief Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure, at the Special Court on Monday. 

He is accused of accumulating illegal wealth worth Rs. 10 million. 

According to the CIAA investigation, Sodari held various public positions from January 21, 2018, to February 23, 2023. During this period, 

he and his immediate family had a total legal income of Rs. 8.55 million, including salary savings, allowances, agricultural income, interest and social security benefits of his parents.

However, Sodari's expenditures exceeded Rs. 19.3 million, covering land purchases, home construction, interior decoration, his daughter’s education, family business investments, insurance premiums, election expenses and his son's wedding, among other expenditures. This resulted in an unexplained excess expenditure of Rs. 10.8 million.

The CIAA alleged that Sodari abused his official position to acquire disproportionate property and maintain a lifestyle beyond his lawful income. It has demanded the recovery of Rs. 10.8 million and the confiscation of assets registered under his wife and son, including land, house and bank balances. Additionally, the CIAA demanded that Sodari be punished under Clause 24 of the Prevention of Corruption Act 2002.