Lokman Singh Karki, Chief Commissioner of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), on Wednesday said that investigations into corruption cases involving 29 high-profile politicians, bureaucrats and civil society members will continue irrespective of criticisms.

Addressing a programme organised to mark the International Anti-corruption Day, the CIAA chief said investigations would be conducted in accordance with the law and those proven guilty of guilty of amassing properties through illegal means would be prosecuted.  

“Investigations have already begun,” said Karki, adding: “We are prepared for any consequence.”

Stating that he will not compromise at any cost, Karki said he would take investigation forward “even if it means sacrificing my job”.

Karki’s strong remarks on Wednesday came amid allegations from major political parties that CIAA’s summons against 29 prominent figures was “politically motivated”.

The CIAA has summoned 29 high-profile people, including three sitting secretaries, former ministers and Member of Parliament at the office, regarding complaints against them that they had amasses properties through illegal means.

In his 39-minute speech Karki said that the recent summons was just the tip of the iceberg and that more politicians would be dragged into investigation in coming days.

Investigations into high-profile cases, according to the CIAA chief, were intentionally delayed keeping in mind the task of constitution writing, political instability and the devastation caused by the earthquake.

“We faced criticism for long that we were sparing big fishes,” said Karki, adding that he was now ready to probe corruption allegations against high profile individuals.

Multi-billion rupee scams, including allegations of corruption in the Maoist cantonment, and other high-profile corruption cases involving senior leaders have not been adequately probed.

Sources at the CIAA say Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and other senior leaders of other parties are likely to be dragged into investigation on charges of amassing properties without legal sources.

Karki said that due process would be followed during investigation.

Meanwhile, the UCPN (Maoist) has decided to hold talks with the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML before commenting on CIAA’s move. The party is of the view that it is better to make a common position of major parties. “The chairman told us that he would hold consultation with the NC and UML to find

hidden intention,” said UCPN (M) Spokesperson Dina Nath Sharma.

On Tuesday, UML had accused CIAA of trumping up politically motivated charges against its leaders.