In a first major case of prosecution for corruption in relief distribution in the aftermath of the April 25 Earthquake, the Commission for Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has charged 8 individuals, including two under secretaries of the Ministry of Urban Development, for corruption in the procurement of tarpaulin.

The anti-graft body filed a corruption case agaisnt the officials at the Special Court on Sunday.

Ministry’s Under-secretaries Homnath Bhattarai and Ram Krishna Guragain and store keeper Yubaraj Giri have been accused of misappropriating Rs 2,36,76,191 while purchasing and distributing the tents and tarpaulin.

Secretary at the Ministry Arjun Kumar Karki and Joint-secretaries Bashudev Guragain and Shambhu KC and account chief Narayan Niraula have been suspended from their positions for their involvement in improper conduct, according to a statement issued by CIAA on Sunday.

The CIAA has also filed a charge-sheet at the Special Court against the suppliers Deepkiran Enterprises, Mata Enterprises, Lucky SA Enterprises and Ajay Shuva Traders.