KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case at the Special Court over alleged irregularities in the electronic passport (e-passport) printing and procurement process, naming 18 individuals, including Arzu Rana Deuba as one of the key accused.
The anti-graft body registered the case on Monday at the Special Court in connection with alleged financial and procedural irregularities in the procurement and implementation of the e-passport system.
Among those named in the case are former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, senior officials of the Department of Passports, and representatives linked to foreign contractor companies involved in the project.
According to the CIAA, the case is based on alleged irregularities in the awarding and execution of contracts related to passport printing. Several officials have already been arrested during the investigation, including former Director General of the Department of Passports Tirtharaj Aryal and other bureaucrats involved in the procurement process.
CIAA sources said the investigation covered alleged irregularities worth several billion rupees, with both government officials and foreign company representatives under scrutiny.
Arzu Rana Deuba has been under investigation in the same case and was earlier summoned for questioning. She had reportedly informed the CIAA that she is currently abroad for medical treatment and would cooperate with the investigation upon return.
The anti-corruption body has not yet made public detailed charges, including specific allegations, penalty demands, or claimed financial losses against each accused.
The case is being closely watched as one of the most high-profile corruption proceedings in recent years involving senior political and administrative figures.
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