Surkhet, March 25

The former treasurer of Social Welfare Council Ratna Bahadur Gaha Magar, who stands accused in a corruption case at the Special Court in Kathmandu, has been appointed administrative adviser of Karnali Province.

Magar was appointed by a late night meeting of the council of ministers of Karnali Province on Saturday, at the proposal of Chief Minister Mahendra Bahadur Shahi. Provincial government Spokesperson and Agriculture Minister Bimala KC confirmed Magar’s elevation, further informing that Salyan’s Bhim Prakash Sharma and Kalikot’s Janaknath Yogi were also appointed political adviser and public relations adviser respectively.

The Commission for the Investigation on Abuse of Authority, on February 4, had registered a case against Magar at the Special Court, accusing him of leasing the land belonging to the Fun Park of Brikutimandap with wrong intention during his tenure as treasurer of the Social Welfare Council.

As per the press note issued by the CIAA, a corruption case against 14 persons, including Magar and then chairperson of the council and minister for women, children and social welfare Badri Prasad Neupane is sub-judice at the special court. Neupane and Magar are out on bail.

If convicted in the case filed by the CIAA, Magar will have to spend one year in prison and pay 10,000 rupees in fine.

Meanwhile, few legal eagles have questioned the decision of the Karnali province and its chief minister to appoint a man who is facing corruption case as administrative adviser.