KATHMANDU: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Chairman Rishikesh Pokharel has written to a school seeking an extension of leave for his wife, Anjala Koirala, who is reportedly absconding in connection with a cooperative fraud case.
Pokharel sent a virtual letter to Mahendra Night Secondary School in Biratnagar on Sunday, requesting indefinite leave on behalf of his wife.
Anjala Koirala, a permanent teacher at the school, was last seen attending classes on December 12.
According to the school’s Principal, Jhak Prasad Parajuli, Anjala submitted a letter requesting a 5-day leave effective from Monday, November 27.
However, after her leave expired on Friday, she did not return to the school.
Principal Parajuli confirmed receiving another letter on Sunday, sent by Rishikesh Pokharel, seeking indefinite sick leave for Anjala.
“The letter states the leave is indefinite and mentions sickness. The signature and details appear to be Anjala’s, but the letter was sent by Rishikesh,” Parajuli told Khabarhub on Tuesday.
The school was closed on Sunday, December 15, for the Udhauli festival. Since then, Anjala has remained absent, and her whereabouts are unknown.
Fraud case and court proceedings
A case was registered against Anjala Koirala on December 12 in the Morang District Court, accusing her and 25 others of embezzling more than Rs. 220 million from the Uma Gauri Cooperative Society.
The court, under Judge Arun Kumar Jha, has issued a 35-day warrant for all absconding individuals involved in the case, including Anjala.
In a parliamentary committee meeting on Monday, Hrishikesh Pokharel informed members that his wife had absconded.
“My wife has fled without consulting me. I am ready to provide a statement wherever necessary,” Pokharel said after committee members demanded his resignation.
However, Pokharel has been accused of misleading the committee by secretly facilitating his wife’s leave.
UML Secretary and MP Yogesh Bhattarai suggested during Monday’s meeting that Pokharel’s role in the cooperative case should also be investigated.
This has further intensified scrutiny on Pokharel, raising questions about his involvement in his wife’s evasion of legal proceedings.
Background on the case
The Uma Gauri Cooperative Society case involves allegations of irregularities exceeding Rs. 220 million.
A total of 26 individuals, including Anjala Koirala, are under investigation. The court has issued warrants for the absconders, but enforcement remains a challenge.
With Pokharel himself sending a leave request on behalf of his wife, doubts have arisen about his impartiality and credibility as the chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.
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