CIAA calls for suspension of APF IG Onta

Accused of ‘massive’ financial irregularities in transportation of goods

Kathmandu, December 17

Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority today wrote to the concerned authorities to suspend Inspector General of Armed Police Force Kosh Raj Onta, APF Deputy Superintendents Suman Jung Thapa and RamKrishna Maharjan and APF Inspector Bin Bahadur Thapa for their alleged involvement in ‘massive financial irregularities and corrupt practices.’

The CIAA said it had sought suspension of these officers from today itself.

The CIAA issued a press release today saying that its investigation into the allegation of financial irregularities against these police officers, in the supply of logistics through Sadajyoti Suppliers revealed that these officers, in collusion with Sadajyoti Supplier, were involved in supplying logistics by making false bills and documents.

The CIAA said it recommended suspension of these officers because if they continued to hold their position, they could destroy evidences that could be used against them and could pose hurdles in further investigation into the allegation.

The anti-graft body said it received complaints alleging that the APF had signed agreements with Sadajyoti Suppliers to transport logistics and goods purchased in the fiscal years 2012-13 and 2013-14 to its units across the country but the goods were not supplied as per the agreement and ‘massive financial irregularities’ were committed in the transportation of the goods.

The anti-graft body said its investigation into the allegation revealed that in the fiscal years 2012-13 and 2013-14, unnaturally high amount of goods were purchased and financial irregularities were committed by producing fake bills in collusion with the supplier.

The anti-graft body wrote to the prime minister and council of ministers seeking suspension of Inspector General of APF Onta and in the case of APF DSPs Suman Jung Thapa, and Ram Krishna Maharjan and APF Inspector Bin Bahadur Thapa, it wrote to Ministry of Home Affairs and Armed Police Force Headquarters, Swoyambhu, seeking their suspension from the job.

Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Agni Prasad Kharel said the Council of Ministers would take a decision on the CIAA’s letter tomorrow.

Kharel said the CIAA had stated the relevant section of the law seeking suspension of the APF IG and the Cabinet would take a decision on it tomorrow.

PM’s Press Adviser Pramod Dahal also said that the decision to suspend the APF IG would have to be taken by the Cabinet, which will meet tomorrow.

A meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled for 5:00pm today but it could not take place, as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived late in the Cabinet from a district tour, said Kharel.