KATHMANDU: The Department of Transport Management Technical Director, Nabin Kumar Pokharel, was arrested by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority from his office in New Baneshwor of Kathmandu on Thursday.

The anti-corruption constitutional body said Nepalgunj Customs Office had asked a bicycle trader to produce the recommendation from the Department to import 36 electric scooters from the Avon Cycles Limited.

However, Pokharel demanded Rs 5,000 as bribe for each of the 36 scooters to get the recommendation, the  CIAA statement said.

After a tip-off, the CIAA had deployed a team, which nabbed Pokharel along with Rs 180,000 kickback money from the Department today.

Talking to THT Online, CIAA spokesperson Krishna Hari Pushkar said further investigation is underway and Pokharel would be presented before the Special Court after a few days.