KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority said it forced former Minister for Agricultural Development Hari Prasad Parajuli to refund Rs 260,000 that he had embezzled from the state coffers.

Issuing a press statement today, the anti-corruption constitutional watchdog said the former Minister had embezzled the fund of Dairy Development Corporation by sending his son Girwan Bikram Parajuli to Australia.

The junior Parajuli had visited Australia from July 14 to 20 this year on the DDC expenses, according to the CIAA.

The CPN-UML leader deposited the amount back to the DDC account at the Himalayan Bank Limited on Monday, the CIAA added.

Parajuli, a Cabinet member of the erstwhile Sushil Koirala-led coalition government, was recalled from the government after he was alleged of indecent behaviour with local women on June 30 this year in Mulpani of the Capital during the National Paddy Day celebration.