Kathmandu: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has taken decisive action against alleged corruption within the Security Printing Centre, filing charges against key figures involved.

Former executive director Bikal Poudel, along with former director Safal Shrestha and Ministry of Forest and Environment employee Navin Kumar Pokharel, faces accusations of corruption in the procurement of security printing press machinery items. The CIAA asserts that their actions led to an intended loss of over Rs 470 million for the government.

CIAA Spokesperson Narahari Ghimire stated that the accused individuals aimed to defraud the government through the procurement process. The anti-graft body is demanding additional punishment commensurate with the amount embezzled. Furthermore, the CIAA seeks to recover an equal amount from former accountant Khadga Bahadur Thapa and former section officer Hari Ballav Ghimire of the Security Printing Centre.

In addition to these charges, the CIAA has filed a case against Akbar Husain, CEO of Max International, alleging involvement in the scam and seeking compensation equal to the amount in question.

This latest move by the CIAA underscores its commitment to combating corruption and holding accountable those responsible for financial malpractice within government institutions.