KATHMANDU, JUNE 18
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has summoned former Foreign Minister and Nepali Congress leader Arzu Rana Deuba for questioning in connection with the alleged corruption in the e-passport procurement case.
The anti-graft body on Thursday served a notice at the Deuba residence in Budhanilkantha, directing Rana to appear before the commission within three days, excluding travel time.
However, it has been reported that Rana has informed the commission via email that she is currently abroad undergoing medical treatment and is unable to appear immediately. In the email, she reportedly expressed her willingness to cooperate with the investigation once her treatment permits.
The CIAA has intensified its probe into alleged irregularities in the passport procurement process. On Tuesday, it arrested Director General Tirtha Raj Aryal and Director Sunil Kumar KC. A day later, the commission also detained Manindra Raj Malla, the Nepali representative of Germany-based Muehlbauer ID Services GmbH, and Tulsi Prasad Acharya, the department's former accounts officer, for further investigation.
