Police on Sunday arrested a first class non-gazetted officer of the District Hospital Khotang for receiving kickbacks under the pretext of fixing the job of midwives.

Kedarnath Khanal was arrested for taking Rs 35,000 each from 13 applicants aspiring for the job of midwives on temporary contract status.

Khanal was arrested from the hospital's premises by a team deputed from the District Police Office, Khotang, and presented to the District Administration Office (DAO).

He has confessed to taking bribe and pledged to return all the money.

Chief District Officer (CDO) Prahlad Pokharel said that investigation has been launched into the case.

"We have understood that he is guilty," the CDO said, adding "We will advance the process of legal action after investigation."

Nepali Congress cadres had padlocked the hospital after getting information that Khanal had taken bribe.

The party had shutdown the hospital from early Sunday morning demanding action against the corrupt employee.

The Eastern Regional Health Service Directorate, Dhankuta had issued a notice for the job of 30 midwives on temporary status three months ago.

The incident came to light after none of the individuals, who had bribed Khanal, made it to the list of newly appointed midwives.

Khanal, who has served for 30 years, was in the pipeline for getting promoted to an official's status, according to a Hospital source.

Khanal has two more years before retirement. RSS