Telecom Billing Case: Former Chief Secretary Aryal and 23 Others Cleared of Charges

Kathmandu, June 9 — The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has decided not to press corruption charges against 24 people, including former Chief Secretary Dr. Baikuntha Aryal, in connection with a Nepal Telecom billing system contract case.


However, the CIAA has filed corruption charges against 18 individuals, including Nepal Telecom’s Managing Director Sangita Pahadi, over alleged irregularities in the extension of a contract for maintaining the company’s billing system.


Although all 42 individuals were investigated, the CIAA concluded there wasn't enough evidence to charge the remaining 24, who were involved in the decision-making process.


Those cleared include former Communications Secretary and then-chair of Nepal Telecom’s Board, Hari Prasad Basyal, and several former board members such as Joint Secretaries Bhupal Baral and Uttarkumar Khatri, and member Shankar Lamichhane.


Also spared are former Managing Director Dilliram Adhikari, Company Secretary Rajendra Aryal, and other former senior staff including directors, managers, and engineers.


The CIAA stated its decision was based on individual responsibility, choosing to prosecute only those directly linked to the irregularities.

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