Anti-Corruption Case Filed Against Former Nepal PM Madhav Nepal
The Commission of Inquiry into Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed charges against former Nepalese Prime Minister and CPN-Unified Socialist chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal concerning a land misappropriation case involving Patanjali Yogpeeth-Nepal. The case pertains to the purchase of land in Kavre district, approximately 40 kilometers from Kathmandu, where Patanjali planned to establish a yoga center and herbal farming operations.
Details of the Allegations
The CIAA submitted the case to a special court that handles corruption and abuse of authority cases. The chargesheet names Madhav Nepal along with 93 other individuals implicated in facilitating the land acquisition by Patanjali Yogpeeth. The allegations assert that a cabinet meeting, chaired by Madhav Nepal during his tenure as Prime Minister, waived restrictions under the land ceiling law and allowed the purchase for specific purposes, later enabling the commercial sale of the land. This sequence of decisions allegedly caused significant financial losses to the state, with the CIAA demanding Madhav Nepal pay Rs 186 million to cover these losses.
Impact on Madhav Nepal's Parliamentary Position
Following the filing of the chargesheet, Madhav Nepal, who currently serves as a sitting member of parliament, automatically lost his parliamentary position according to Nepalese law. This legislation mandates the suspension of all public servants charged with corruption until their cases are fully resolved.
Official Response and Political Context
Madhav Nepal has publicly denied the corruption allegations, asserting his innocence and readiness to engage with the legal process. He claimed the charges are politically motivated, accusing current Prime Minister K.P. Oli of orchestrating a conspiracy to politically undermine him.
Additional Individuals Named in the Chargesheet
Besides Madhav Nepal, the CIAA's chargesheet references several high-profile officials, including former Law Minister Prem Bahadur Singh, the late Land Reform Minister Dambar Shrestha, former Chief Secretary Madhav Prasad Ghimire, and Saligram Singh—one of the founding directors of Patanjali Nepal. Notably, Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, prominent figures associated with Patanjali, are not named in the charges.
Background on Patanjali Land Acquisition
The land in question, totaling 32 hectares, was acquired by Patanjali Yogpeeth for establishing a yoga center and Ayurveda research facilities following the cabinet's approval. Representatives from Patanjali have stated that no portion of this land was sold commercially. The CIAA, however, has raised concerns about procedural irregularities and subsequent misuse.
Summary of Key Points
- Former PM Madhav Nepal charged with land misappropriation involving Patanjali Yogpeeth.
- Case filed by Nepal's anti-corruption body (CIAA) in special court.
- Allegations include waiving land ceiling laws to facilitate purchase and commercial resale.
- Madhav Nepal lost his parliamentary seat following the chargesheet filing.
- Madhav Nepal denies allegations, citing political conspiracy.
- Rs 186 million sought as compensation for losses incurred by the state.
- Several other officials named; Patanjali heads Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna not implicated.
