KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court, Kathmandu against five persons, including the then ward chairperson, on the charge of embezzling Rs 3.167 million in course of distribution of social security allowance in Pokali of Likhu Rural Municipality-9 in Okhaldhunga.

The anti-graft body has filed a charge sheet against the then ward chair Shukra Bir Tamang, three chief administrative officers and an MIS operator.

According to the CIAA, the irregularities were found carried out in the distribution of social security allowances in the fiscal years 2075/76 and 2076/77 BS in the name of deceased, migrants and people with duplicate names.

During the investigation, it was revealed that the then ward chair Tamang had taken Rs 29,15,200 as social security allowance in the name of various beneficiaries using the impression of his right thumb 360 times.

Likewise, an additional Rs 2.52 lakh has been found to have been embezzled by including duplicate names, not deducting the details of the deceased beneficiaries and distributing allowances in the name of those who have already migrated elsewhere.

The NHRC has concluded that a total of Rs 31,67,200 government money was embezzled for clearing the advance by preparing records with false details.

The case has been filed against the then ward chairperson Shukrabir Tamang and MIS operator Khila BK with a total claim of Rs 31,67,200 each.

Likewise, the CIAA has imposed a fine of Rs 953,600 on former Chief Administrative Officer Om Bahadur Darji, Rs 1,67,200 on Abhay Kumar Gupta and Rs 794,400 on officiating Chief Administrative Officer Dinanath Chaudhary.

The commission has sought imprisonment against the respondents under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2059 and recovery of the amount misappropriated. It has also sought additional punishment for the offence of keeping false details in government records and correction and alteration of documents.

According to the commission, the five have been accused of misappropriating government funds by misusing their positions and responsibilities with mutual consent and collusion. The final verdict in the case is yet to be given by the special court.