KATHMANDU: Health Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet and former minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki have given statements in response to the ongoing investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) into irregularities in the procurement of telecommunications equipment for the Nepal Telecommunications Authority.
Despite being summoned by the Authority before the national elections, both of them presented their statements only on Thursday.
Previously, they were not actively engaged in party activities or seen attending CIAA sessions related to the allegations of authority misuse.
The controversy centers around observed irregularities in the procurement of telecom equipment for the Nepal Telecommunications Authority, a responsibility held by both Basnet and Karki during the procurement process.
Both individuals hold significant positions within the Nepali Congress party, with party president Sher Bahadur Deuba expressing confidence in them.
They served in the telecommunications ministry during Deuba’s tenure as Prime Minister, with Basnet as the Minister of Communications in 2074, and Karki assuming the role in 2078.
The decision to elicit statements from all involved parties is in anticipation of an upcoming investigative report, with authorities considering whether to pursue legal action.
The alleged irregularities have led to an estimated additional expense of around Rs 530 million in the budget, initially estimated at Rs 3.5 billion.
Key figures in the investigation include the former Secretary of Telecommunications, the current Chief Secretary, and the former Chief Secretary, among other officials.
Former Nepal Telecommunications Authority Chairman Digamber Jha, current Chairman Purushottam Khanal, and Director Achyutananda Mishra have also issued statements.
Khanal had resigned from his position earlier in this sequence.
The government had previously intensified scrutiny over the contentious procurement of telecommunications technology, emphasizing the need to control revenue leakage from international calls and illegal bypasses.
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