The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has registered a new case alleging corruption in the construction of Pokhara Airport. Several former ministers have been named as defendants, and the hearing process is underway in a special court. Previously, the CIAA had already filed a case against the same corruption charges. 24th Baishakh, Kathmandu.
In relation to corruption allegations in the construction of Pokhara Airport, the CIAA has initiated a fresh case. Sources from CIAA confirm that several ex-ministers have been listed as defendants, and the case is currently proceeding in a special court. Earlier, the CIAA had also filed a case concerning corruption tied to the Pokhara Airport project.
On 21st Mangsir, a corruption case was filed including five ministers as defendants. Subsequently, on 8th Chaitra, another case was registered regarding corruption in the airport’s construction. The case was filed against 21 individuals, including then Tourism Secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, and two companies as third-party defendants.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed another case alleging corruption in the construction of Pokhara Airport.
The case implicates several former ministers and is currently proceeding for hearing in the Special Court.
Previously, the CIAA had also filed cases related to the same corruption incident.
April 7, Kathmandu – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has registered another case regarding corruption allegations in the construction of Pokhara Airport.
According to CIAA sources, the case, which names several former ministers as accused, is currently under hearing in the Special Court.
Previously, the CIAA had already filed a corruption case related to the Pokhara Airport construction. On December 6, the CIAA had registered a case including five ministers as accused.
Subsequently, another case was filed on March 22 regarding corruption in the airport’s construction.
This third case was filed against 21 individuals, including the then Tourism Secretary Kedar Bahadur Adhikari, along with two companies named as third-party defendants.
The Nepalese Embassy in Tel Aviv has renewed its appeal on Wednesday for Nepalese workers in Israel and Cyprus not to send remittances through hundi, an illegal informal hawala system, bringing the illicit practice back into focus. Despite being unlawful, many Nepalese laborers abroad continue to remit money to Nepal using hundi.
Om Kumar Bhandari, Acting Nepalese Ambassador to Israel, explained that those who send money through hundi may encounter difficulties, which is why the embassy has reiterated its cautionary advice. He noted that unauthorized Nepalese workers, especially those residing illegally, might still rely on hundi channels to transfer money.
Some Nepalese workers based in Israel have observed that sending remittances through formal channels has now become more convenient, which should reduce reliance on hundi. An economist has emphasized the need for stricter monitoring by Nepal Rastra Bank over funds entering Nepal through hundi routes.
The embassy issued a notice on Wednesday warning about transactions via informal methods and pointed out that embassy officials have repeatedly cautioned the community regarding such practices in the past.
The notice stated, “Point 45 of the 100-point governance reform agenda approved by the Nepalese Cabinet on Chaitra 13, 2082 BS, includes the establishment of an ‘Integrated Digital Asset Registry’, the implementation of a risk-based signaling system, and the identification of suspicious transactions to be investigated through relevant authorities.”
According to Acting Ambassador Bhandari, approximately 6,500 Nepalese are officially registered in Israel. “It is estimated that about 2,000 Nepalese reside illegally without registration,” he said. “Those individuals may be using hundi or other informal channels to send money, but there is a lack of concrete evidence about such informal transactions, making the issue challenging to address,” Bhandari added.
The Nepalese Embassy, overwhelmed by the growing use of hundi from Israel and Cyprus, issued a request on Wednesday urging Nepalese workers not to send remittances back home through this illegal channel, bringing renewed attention to the illicit trade.
Despite its illegality, many Nepalese migrant workers abroad still send money to Nepal via hundi.
Om Kumar Bhandari, Acting Nepalese Ambassador to Israel, stated that those sending money through hundi may face difficulties, prompting the embassy to issue fresh warnings. According to him, especially those residing illegally are likely still using hundi services to remit money home.
Some Nepalese working in Israel observed that the tendency to use hundi has decreased as formal remittance channels have become more accessible.
An economist emphasized the need for Nepal’s central bank to strengthen monitoring of money inflows through hundi.
‘Difficult to Gather Evidence’
Image source, Getty Images
The Nepalese Embassy issued a notification on Wednesday alerting the community about transactions conducted through informal channels.
Embassy officials stated they have repeatedly warned about this issue in the past as well.
“The Government of Nepal (Council of Ministers) approved on Chaitra 13, 2082 a list of 100 governance reforms. Point 45 includes establishing an ‘Integrated Digital Asset Registry,’ implementing risk-based red flag systems, and identifying suspicious transactions to initiate investigations through concerned authorities,” the notification said.
“Therefore, all Nepalese in Israel and Cyprus are urged not to participate in informal remittance transactions. Those who are aware of any such activity are requested to report complete details to assist in stopping these informal money transfers.”
Acting Ambassador Bhandari estimates that officially registered Nepalese in Israel number around 6,500. “An estimated 2,000 Nepalese live illegally without registration,” he said.
“Those individuals might be sending funds via hundi or informal channels, but lacking concrete evidence makes this difficult to verify,” Bhandari added.
He noted that currently there is no definitive way to confirm how much money is being remitted to Nepal through hundi.
“Many people working as house caregivers, especially those lacking legal permits, have been reported to be using hundi. Banks and formal channels require presenting a passport when sending money,” Bhandari explained.
A similar notification was also issued in Cyprus, home to an estimated 20,000 Nepalese,” he added.
Views from Nepalese Workers in Israel
Nepalese living in Israel shared mixed opinions about the hundi trade.
Some stated hundi use has declined substantially, while others claimed it still persists at a notable level.
“We used to send most of our money through hundi to save costs, but now people have become more aware and avoid it,” said a Nepalese woman working as a house caregiver.
“For example, when sending money to support children studying abroad, you need to prove the source of income. How can those sending money through hundi show proof of income?” she questioned, outlining the drawbacks of the practice.
Another Nepalese woman recounted reporting such concerns to the embassy.
“Sending money informally creates problems and the remittances through unofficial means do not benefit the country. This is why awareness campaigns have been organized,” she said.
A man who has worked in Israel for eight years noted, “During my first year, I sent money through hundi, but for the past seven years, I have used banking channels.”
“It has become easier and safer, which gives confidence and peace of mind,” he added.
‘Money Invested on Interest’
However, a long-term Nepalese resident in Israel claims that significant amounts of money are still sent through hundi.
“In my opinion, half of the people continue to use hundi. In Israel, hundi operators receive funds from places like Hong Kong and send the money to Nepal even before the salary arrives; once salaries come, workers pay them back,” he explained.
He added that senders must pay additional fees including ‘film charges’ and higher-than-official exchange rates, which perpetuates the practice.
“Once trust is established, helpers in hundi trade vanish at a critical point, causing many to incur losses,” he said.
He also revealed another problem among Nepali workers: “Many lend money on interest, and some face issues with non-repayment.”
Economist’s Perspective
According to Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepalese abroad frequently send money through informal hundi channels.
Officials explain that agents abroad collect funds and disburse cash via various local intermediaries across Nepal, depositing amounts into multiple accounts.
Economist Poshraj Pandey highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring of money transfer services within Nepal.
“There must be oversight on these operations and those involved should face penalties,” he asserted.
Pandey explained that migrants opt for informal routes because formal channels are more expensive and time-consuming.
“Informal transfers deliver money faster to households and offer exchange rates above official levels, benefiting the sender,” he stated.
He suggested that the government encourage formal remittances by, for example, allowing tax exemptions on goods up to 10 percent when bringing back items for amounts remitted above NPR 500,000.
He added that embassy alerts alone are insufficient to benefit workers effectively; special measures must be implemented.
You can also watch our reports on YouTube. To subscribe and view videos, click here. Our content is also available on Facebook, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Additionally, you can listen to the BBC Nepali service program on radio at 8:45 PM from Monday to Friday.
April 24, Kathmandu – Former acting President of the Nepali Congress, Purna Bahadur Khadka, emphasized that the Constitutional Council should not undermine the nearly four-decade-long established tradition of appointing the Chief Justice. Ahead of the council meeting scheduled to decide on the Chief Justice appointment, he drew the government’s attention to this tradition through a Facebook post on Thursday.
“The Constitutional Council meeting, chaired by the honorable Prime Minister Balendra Shah, is scheduled for today. According to information, the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will be made today,” Khadka stated. “The council must not devalue the established tradition of Chief Justice appointments that has been maintained for approximately four decades.”
Khadka warned that if the council disrupts the established tradition of appointing the Chief Justice, it will lead to serious instability within the judiciary. “Otherwise, due to significant insecurity and uncertainty, the judiciary will face severe instability,” he wrote. “Such developments pose a risk of multifaceted negative impacts on our established democratic system. This issue requires the serious attention of the council’s chairperson.”
Madhesh Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav’s appointment of 10 personnel to his private secretariat has resulted in a salary suspension by employees. According to a Nepal government circular, no more than three appointments are allowed in a secretariat. Despite the Chief Minister submitting a file for salary disbursement nearly two months ago, staff have refused to process the payments. 24 Baisakh, Janakpurdham.
Since becoming Chief Minister on 19 Mangsir, Yadav appointed 10 staff members to his secretariat, including a personal secretary, computer operator, driver, and office assistants. Sources from the Chief Minister’s office stated the appointees include Kamaldev Yadav as personal officer, Maheshwar Chaudhary as computer operator, Divas Dulal as driver, Vidyalal Raut as office assistant, along with Sanjit Kumar Yadav and others.
The Act, 2075, governing remuneration and benefits for the Chief Minister and ministers of Madhesh Province, allows a secretariat of up to 14 persons, including a personal secretary. However, following the Janajati General Movement, the Nepal government’s cabinet meeting on 5 Asauj decided on expense cuts applicable to all three levels of government. A circular from the Ministry of Finance dated 7 Asauj specifies in Point 5 (ta) that both federal and provincial ministers’ secretariats can have no more than three appointments.
Despite this, Chief Minister Yadav’s appointment of 10 secretariat staff has led employees to withhold salary payments. Though a salary file was sent to the accounts section nearly two months ago, staff are firm that payments for more than three appointees cannot be processed. One employee explained, “The federal government has issued a circular prohibiting more than three appointments in the secretariat. Our Chief Minister has appointed 10, which contradicts the federal directive. If salaries are paid, employees will be held responsible and problems may arise. Therefore, the file is currently stalled.” Recently, during a meeting with journalists, Chief Minister Yadav also expressed grievances from his secretariat staff about not having received their salaries yet.
Five individuals have been arrested for allegedly defrauding large sums of money by promising attractive salaries in foreign employment. The accused lured victims with assurances of placements in various countries and reportedly swindled crores of rupees. They have been sent to the Department of Foreign Employment in Tahachal for further investigation.
On 24th Baishakh, Kathmandu, police detained five people accused of enticing victims with the prospect of lucrative foreign jobs and collecting money under false pretenses.
The arrested include Raj Kumar Tamang, 32, from Sunsari residing in Tarkeshwor Municipality-8, Kathmandu; Prakash KC, 31, from Dang residing in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-14; Dilliman Tamang, 33, from Kavre residing in Gokarneshwor Municipality-5, Kathmandu; Srihang Ekatin, 47, from Panchthar residing in Godavari Municipality-14, Lalitpur; and Namuna Bhandari, 28, from Syangja residing in Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-4, Bhaktapur.
Raj Kumar is accused of defrauding NPR 1,155,000 from one victim by promising jobs in Japan. Prakash allegedly cheated 12 victims of a total NPR 9.3 million with promises of placements in the USA. Dilliman reportedly took NPR 1,475,000 from two victims under the pretense of sending them to Japan. Srihang is accused of defrauding NPR 1,225,000 from one victim by offering jobs in South Korea, while Namuna allegedly swindled NPR 550,000 from three victims with promises of placement in Macau.
The victims filed complaints after losing contact with the accused post-payment. A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku, arrested Raj Kumar from Kirtipur, Kathmandu; Prakash from Kathmandu Metropolitan City-29; Dilliman from Kathmandu Metropolitan City-14 on Tuesday; Srihang from Godavari Municipality-4, Lalitpur; and Namuna from Kathmandu Metropolitan City-3 on Wednesday.
All five have been handed over to the Department of Foreign Employment in Tahachal, Kathmandu, for necessary investigation and legal proceedings.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reported that the conflict in West Asia disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable populations. Due to this conflict, the economic growth rate of the Asia-Pacific region has been reduced from 5.1% to 4.7%. ADB has advised governments to provide targeted cash assistance to the poor instead of blanket grants. (April 24, Samarkand, Uzbekistan).
At the 59th annual meeting held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, ADB Chief Economist Dr. Albert F. Park highlighted that the ongoing crisis in West Asia represents more than a temporary shock; it marks the beginning of a prolonged conflict cycle, a shift toward sustainable change. He noted that this situation has not only pushed up fuel prices but also increased the costs of chemical fertilizers and other essential goods, impacting poor and marginalized families the most.
Dr. Park emphasized that governments must offer concessions specifically targeted at poor and at-risk households. He pointed out that Nepal has not provided such relief and that fuel prices in Nepal remain the highest in South Asia. “It is the government’s responsibility to support the most vulnerable groups. While delivering relief in such circumstances is challenging, it is imperative to allocate resources to assist those at greatest risk,” said ADB’s Chief Economist.
As a result of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the Asia-Pacific region’s economic growth forecast has been further revised downward. ADB’s scenario projections expect persistent fuel supply disruptions in both 2026 and 2027, with crude oil prices projected at $96 per barrel in 2026 and $80 per barrel in 2027. This situation has led to increased fuel shortages and a significant divergence between spot and futures prices in the market.
According to Dr. Park, even if a ceasefire is achieved, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has not returned to pre-conflict levels, critically affecting the transport of crude oil, LPG, LNG, and container vessels. Furthermore, ADB has raised concerns about South Asia, where 35% of chemical fertilizers utilized by countries in the region are imported from West Asia.
In Nepal, the shortage of fertilizers threatens the main paddy transplanting season starting in mid-June. Although Nepal has requested India to secure chemical fertilizer supplies, India itself is facing challenges, making the arrival of these fertilizers uncertain. This increases the risk of long-term impacts on food security in the region.
Udip Prasad Budhamagar, a 20-year-old from Kapurkot Rural Municipality-4 in Salyan, has been arrested on charges of raping a 14-year-old girl. The police from the TulsiPur Police Office in Dang, acting on a complaint, apprehended him. Kathmandu, 24 Baishakh – Udip Prasad Budhamagar, aged 20, from Kapurkot Rural Municipality-4 in Salyan, has been taken into custody for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl. The police officials dispatched from the TulsiPur Police Office in Dang arrested him based on the registered complaint.
The Kathmandu District Court sentenced Dheeraj Motidhan Rai to life imprisonment on Ashwin 1, 2076 (September 17, 2019), and he had been on the run ever since. Police arrested him from Pachkhal Municipality-7, Kavre. Dheeraj Motidhan Rai escaped from the Central Jail Sundhara on Bhadra 24 (September 9, 2019) during the Genji movement protest. He has been sent back to Central Jail Jagannath Deval Sundhara for necessary legal proceedings. (24 Baishakh, Kathmandu)
Police apprehended Dheeraj Motidhan Rai, a 43-year-old fugitive defendant in a culpable homicide case residing in Pachkhal Municipality-7, Kavre, on Tuesday. The Kathmandu District Court had sentenced him to life imprisonment on Ashwin 1, 2076 BS (September 17, 2019). He was serving his sentence at Central Jail Sundhara when he escaped amid the Genji movement on Bhadra 24 (September 9, 2019). The arrest was made by the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office personnel from Teku, who located him in Shikharpur, Pachkhal Municipality-7, Kavre. Following his arrest, he was transferred back to Central Jail Jagannath Deval Sundhara for further action.
A human skeleton has been discovered in the Talpokhari forest located in Maimjhuwa area of Sandakpur Rural Municipality-2, Ilam. According to police investigations, only the head and feet of the body have flesh remaining. Alongside the skeleton, an NMB Bank checkbook bearing a name was found. Police are currently investigating the matter. 24 Baisakh, Ilam.
The skeleton was initially spotted by individuals who went to graze cattle in the Sandakpur tourist area on Wednesday. Based on their information, a team accompanied by police visited the site on Thursday. Pappu Shiva, a transportation businessman present at the scene, stated, ‘Only the head and feet have flesh left; the rest is purely bones.’ DSP Laxmi Bhandari, Information Officer at the Ilam District Police Office, confirmed that the police are conducting an investigation regarding the discovered body.
24 Baishakh, Sarlahi – A fatal accident occurred near Khila in Haripurva Municipality-9, Sarlahi, when a bus struck a motorbike resulting in the death of a 36-year-old man. The deceased has been identified by police as Shyam Thakur, popularly known as Pappu, a resident of Kantibazar, Gaushala Municipality-12, Mahottari.
According to police reports, on Thursday morning, a bus bearing registration number Ga 1 Kha 9467 collided with a motorcycle registered as Na 48 Pa 470. Thakur sustained serious injuries in the accident and was rushed to Provincial Hospital Malangwa for treatment. However, hospital doctors declared him dead, said Saroj Rai, Deputy Superintendent of Police and spokesperson for the Sarlahi District Police Office.
The police have taken into custody the bus and its owner, 27-year-old Manish Kumar Mahto from Parsa Rural Municipality-2, who was involved in the incident. Meanwhile, the bus driver, 45-year-old Badri Mandal from Salempur, Kawilasimunicipality-10, is still at large. Authorities have confirmed that further investigations into the case are ongoing.
In Kathmandu Metropolitan City ward 27, near the National Dance Theatre in Jamal, six live rounds of SLR ammunition were found in a drainage ditch. According to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, alongside these six live rounds, two pieces of Chachar and two rounds of dummy SLR bullets were also recovered. Authorities have confirmed these findings and stated that further investigation into the incident is ongoing. Dated 24th Baisakh, Kathmandu.
The discovery was made specifically in the drainage in front of the National Dance Theatre located in Jamal, ward 27 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office verified the presence of the live rounds. Additionally, two pieces of Chachar and two rounds of dummy SLR bullets were recovered. The police have confirmed that investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Following the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the West Bengal Assembly elections, the statue of Vladimir Lenin in Jiaganj, Murshidabad, was vandalized on May 5. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has accused BJP supporters, labeling them as ‘goons,’ of damaging the statue while celebrating their electoral success. The CPI(M) announced plans to reconstruct the Lenin statue at the same location on May 8, and police have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident.
The statue, located near Shreepat Singh College in Jiaganj, was defaced on May 5. The CPI(M) took to the social media platform X to allege that BJP sympathizers climbed onto the statue during celebrations and caused deliberate damage. Video footage released publicly shows fragments of the statue scattered on the ground, while the assailants are heard shouting slogans. BJP candidate Gaurishankar Ghosh from the area won the election by a margin exceeding 30,000 votes.
Immediately after the vandalism, CPI(M) filed a police complaint. Following the complaint and subsequent protests, authorities have arrested five persons linked to the event. The CPI(M) described the act as ideological intolerance and reaffirmed their commitment to rebuild the Lenin statue at the same site on May 8.
A Swiss citizen who traveled aboard the Dutch vessel MV Hondius and returned home has tested positive for hantavirus infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that eight individuals onboard the ship, currently in the Indian Ocean, have exhibited symptoms consistent with hantavirus, and laboratory tests have confirmed infection in three cases. On Wednesday, three infected patients were evacuated from the ship and transferred to the Netherlands for medical treatment. Among them are two crew members and one passenger.
The cruise ship departed Argentina on April 1 bound for Cape Verde. Since the outbreak began onboard, three fatalities have been reported. The vessel arrived at Cape Verde on May 3. Carrying a total of 146 people, including crew and passengers, the ship is presently being directed towards the Canary Islands where it is expected to arrive within a few days. Passengers onboard have reportedly been practicing physical distancing, wearing masks, and receiving meals served in their cabins to curb further transmission.
Leaders from Spain’s autonomous Canary Islands have opposed the Spanish government’s plan to allow the MV Hondius to dock there. In an interview with Onda Cero radio, Fernando Clavijo stated, “I cannot authorize this ship to enter the Canaries. This decision is not based on any technical criteria, and we have not been provided with adequate information.” Clavijo, who is currently in Brussels, expressed a desire to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Madrid to discuss the matter further. Meanwhile, Spain’s Health Minister has asserted that no infections have been detected among the ship’s current occupants.
