Kathmandu. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has arrested the then acting director of Health Supply Management Centre, Hetauda. The Commission has filed corruption case against seven persons including Arjun Prasad Sapkota on the charge of corruption.

The case was filed against Dr Sapkota, the then director of Hetauda-based Health Supply Management Centre and seven others on the charge of misappropriating money in procurement of personal protective equipment (health equipments) during the coronavirus pandemic.

NHRC Spokesperson Rajendra Kumar Poudel said the government suffered an illegal loss of Rs 3.117 million as a result of the bidding called for the purchase of personal protective equipment required against COVID-19 in the fiscal year 2078÷79 BS.

The anti-graft body has sought a fine of Rs 3.117 million each against Dr Sapkota, the then accounts officer Radha Krishna Shrestha, the then pharmacy supervisor Rajeshwor Ranjitkar, the then refrigerator technician Rabi Kumar Mahato, the then biomedical engineer Rajeshwor Kamali, the then accounts officer of the Province Financial Comptroller Office, Hetauda, Netra Narsingh Karki and the proprietor of Janamukti Health Enterprises Nawaraj Shrestha ।

Spokesperson Poudel said that the charge sheet was filed at the Special Court, Kathmandu on Monday demanding the following punishment against the defendants involved in the crime as per Clause 17 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059.