The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has formally charged former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal with corruption in connection with the 2009–2011 Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal land acquisition case. The allegations center on allowing the company to exceed legal land ownership limits in Kavre district, intended for herb cultivation, processing, and a hospital project .
The CIAA’s charge sheet, filed at Kathmandu’s Special Court on Thursday, claims that Nepal led the government in swapping and selling land plots at inflated prices, resulting in financial loss to the state. The agency is seeking a fine of 185.85 million Nepali rupees (around $1.35 million) and notes possible imprisonment of up to 17 years if convicted
At 72, Nepal heads the United Socialist Party in parliament. He vehemently denies the charges, describing them as an act of “political vendetta.” He told Kantipur daily that he had not engaged in any illegal act or caused state loss Patanjali Yogpeeth also refutes the allegations. A company spokesperson said the land was acquired legally and privately, and expressed concern over what was termed “local political vendetta”
This case is notable for its scope: 92 others, including former ministers and officials (some deceased), are also named in the prosecution It marks Nepal’s first appearance in court for a corruption charge since leaving office in 2011 – historical as it is the first time the CIAA has prosecuted a former prime minister
Yaga Raj Regmi, the court’s information officer, confirmed that Nepal will receive a formal notice within 15 days to present himself in court. Subsequently, hearings will begin. Under the Prevention of Corruption Act, filing of the charge sheet has triggered automatic suspension of Nepal’s parliamentary membership.
