KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has brought forth a corruption case involving seven individuals, including the former Finance Minister of Madhes Province, Vijay Kumar.

They are accused of corruption in the snake breeding program of Jhalnath Khanal Institute of Health Sciences.

In the provincial government’s budget statement for the fiscal year 2076/077, funds were allocated from a supplementary grant provided by the federal government for the establishment of a snake venom collection, processing, and production center in collaboration with Lalbandi Municipality in Sarlahi.

However, the CIAA believes that Economic Affairs Minister Yadav and Lalbandi Municipality Chief Man Bahadar Khadka unlawfully partnered with the Jhalnath Khanal Institute of Health Sciences, misusing their authority to disburse NPR 179.8 million in bad faith.

In the case filed at the Special Court on Sunday, they are being sought to repay NPR 179.8 million and face imprisonment and fines in accordance with the Corruption Prevention Act 2059. Additional imprisonment has been sought for Yadav under Section 24 of the Act due to his ministerial position.

The authority has also named Prem Kumar Shrestha, the former Economic Affairs Secretary of Madhes province, as a defendant.

The authority contends that Shrestha had the financial, physical, and human resources to implement the program. He completed a detailed study of the plan and submitted a grant proposal to the Planning Commission, which contained false details and conditions in the declaration. As a result, a supplementary grant of NPR 30.27 million from the federal government was disbursed to the foundation.

Under Section 3 of the Prevention of Corruption Act and Section 1(j) of the Act, the authority has called for Shrestha to face imprisonment and a fine of NPR 30 million 27 lakh.

The authority has also filed a corruption case against the then Jhalnath Khanal Institute of Health Sciences, the current president of the National Institute of Health Sciences, Revati Prasad Pant, general secretary Navraj Bhandari, treasurer Niraj Bhandari, and member Devendra Rai.

According to the authority, Chairman Pant signed an agreement to receive government funds in the Foundation’s name, with zero cost sharing, which violated the existing law. They are accused of withdrawing NPR 179.8 million and making decisions against the law at a board of directors meeting, spending government funds contrary to the organization’s approved program.