CIAA chief Prem Kumar Rai says he discussed passport contract case with PM before filing case

Nepal's Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Chief Commissioner Prem Kumar Rai has stated that he discussed the passport contract case with Prime Minister Balen Shah before it was officially filed. Appearing before the House of Representatives’ State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Rai addressed lawmakers' questions about the interaction.

Rai described the discussion as normal, explaining that CIAA officials can be called by the prime minister for consultations or to provide updates on ongoing investigations. "If there is a question about whether the prime minister called us or not, we can be called for discussion or to seek suggestions. We can also be called to ask what is happening in the matter and what you are doing. So, we went and held discussions," Rai said.

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If there is a question about whether the prime minister called us or not, we can be called for discussion or to seek suggestions. We can also be called to ask what is happening in the matter and what you are doing. So, we went and held discussions.

While Rai did not delve into the specifics of the conversation, he asserted that the CIAA followed proper procedures in filing the case. He encouraged the lawmakers to examine the prosecution documents themselves to verify the grounds for the case. "Please look at the prosecution letter. You will clearly see that we did not file the case without grounds," Rai stated, declining to elaborate further.

The questioning arose from reports that CIAA officials were allegedly held at the Prime Minister’s Office for several hours and subjected to pressure concerning the decision to prosecute in the passport procurement case. Lawmakers sought clarification from the CIAA chief regarding the circumstances surrounding the meeting with the prime minister.

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Please look at the prosecution letter. You will clearly see that we did not file the case without grounds.