Kathmandu: In a rare move, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police took statements from two former prime ministers of Nepal—Madhav Kumar Nepal , who is currently the chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist) and Dr Baburram Bhattarari, who is the chair of Socialist Party of Nepal, in connection to the infamous Lalita Niwas Land grab scam, that has already sent a number of individuals, including former ministers either to jail or they are under investigation.
The CIB on Saturday night interrogated Nepal at his residence at Koteshwar, according to CIB SSP Dinesh Acharya. Likewise, CIB also took statements from Dr Baburam Bhattarai over the scam on Sunday. Bhattarai is said to have reached the CIB office himself to provide information about the incident.
The move follows the decision of the Supreme Court earlier this month which paved the way for the investigation agencies to bring individuals who make policy decisions under investigation radar.
This may be the first time the country’s crime investigation agency has taken statements from top level politicians over their alleged involvement in cases of abuse of power. Top leaders have often evaded the investigation process even if their involvement in corruption cases makes the media headlines.
Comment