The anti-graft body directed the Police Headquarters to suspend former TIA security chief effective from Thurday after finding him guilty of committing massive corruption during his tenure.

In its letter sent on Thursday, the CIAA has stated that he might destroy evidence against him if he remains in the post. “We saw possible destruction of evidence if he continues in the post and directed the government to suspend him without further delay,” said CIAA spokesperson Shreedhar Sapkota. 

Bhandari was immediately transferred to the Police Headquarters after the CIAA received complaints that he abused his authority and committed irregularities, including accepting bribe and extorting millions of rupees from service seekers at the TIA.

Informed sources at the anti-graft body said Bhandari has been accused of pocketing millions of rupees and illegally importing electronic devices while he was TIA’s security chief.   A preliminary investigation carried out by the CIAA has found that Bhandari extorted IC Rs 900,000, seven laptops, five mobile phone sets of Apple brand and recharge cards worth Rs 250,000 from service seekers at TIA.

Sapkota said that the commission had directed for Bhandari’s suspension before filing a corruption case in the court. 

Two years ago, government officials along with police deployed at the  TIA security cell had robbed and raped migrant worker Sita Rai upon her return from Saudi Arabia.