Kathmandu, May 30

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority today filed a chargesheet at the Special Court against Ramakant Aryal, an immigration officer at Tribhuvan International Airport, for allegedly accumulating disproportionate assets worth around Rs 20.6 million.

Acting on a complaint against Aryal in connection with accumulation of assets from illegitimate sources, the anti-graft body launched a thorough investigation that led to the filing of the charge.

An investigation by the CIAA shows that Aryal earned cash and property valued at around Rs 24.9 million from 8 September 2002 (date of joining government service) to mid-December, last year.

The amount includes his salary, allowances, agricultural income, loan, ancestral property and sale of land.

The CIAA report suggests that Aryal and his wife Sarita Nepal spent or invested more than Rs 45.6 million during the 16 years. Investments were made in land, house, vehicle and bank deposit.

Joint Secretary Pradeep Kumar Koirala, who is CIAA spokesperson, said Aryal had failed to disclose the source of disproportionate assets equivalent to Rs 20.6 million.

According to the CIAA, Aryal had earned Rs 20.6 million illegally as he could not establish its legitimate sources.

The CIAA has also listed Sarita as a defendant in the corruption case under the Prevention of Corruption Act for the purpose of recovery of the amount in question.

It has sought confiscation of Rs 20.6 million, a fine of an equivalent amount and jail sentence as per the provisions of Sub-section (2) of Section 20 of the act.

Aryal has been suspended from civil service since the anti-graft body filed a case of corruption against him.