National
Book ‘big fishes’: Prez, PM to CIAA
Concerned with anti-graft body’s failure to book ‘big fishes’ accused of corruption, PM Sushil Koirala drew the attention of CIAA Chief Lokman Singh Karki to take action against them.Addressing the 24th Anniversary of the CIAA organised in Kathmandu, the prime minister expressed his displeasure over the anti-graft body’s failure to book some of the leading personalities of the country. “Corruption is rampant. ..It is necessary to book all those involved in such behaviours,” said PM Koirala.
The prime minister has regularly shown his concerns over the anti-graft body’s focus on petty corruption cases, sidelining the major ones. At a time when big cases such as the cantonment corruption charges and those related with acquiring disproportionate properties are pending at the CIAA, the anti-graft body is engaged in frying small fishes. CIAA officials, themselves, have been found involved in bribery cases in recent times.
Claiming that the development funds have not been misused, the prime minister urged the commission to “make sure that no innocent individual be troubled.”
President Ram Baran Yadav echoed the prime minister’s views. He advised the CIAA
to keep in mind an individual’s respect and rights before filing a case.
“Let 100 criminals walk free,” President Yadav said, “But the CIAA must ensure that no innocent person is unnecessarily booked.” President Yadav also asked the anti-graft body to bring policy-wise corruption under the purview of the law, suggesting that the CIAA work on qualitative outcomes.
Chief Commissioner Karki clarified that the anti-graft body has not been biased in taking action against anyone. “If it is so, then please prove it to us and we will correct our mistakes.”
The CIAA chief assured to take action against anyone found involved in corruption and committed to watch out for any innocent individual troubled with such cases.