KATHMANDU, Aug 19: The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has arrested five people, including former Nepal Red Cross Society Chair Sanjiv Thapa, over alleged irregularities in the society’s land purchase.
The CIB said the suspects were arrested for allegedly causing financial losses to the Red Cross by purchasing land through a middleman in violation of tender conditions.
All about World Red Cross Day 2019
Those arrested are Rajesh Deshemaru, 52, of Bhaktapur; Umesh Prasad Dhakal, 57, of Nuwakot; Madan Krishna Foju, 58, of Bhaktapur; Sanjiv Thapa, 70, of Udayapur; and Indra Bahadur KC, 67, of Kathmandu.
According to the CIB, an investigation found that, following a notice published on September 7, 2016, to purchase land for the society’s warehouse, Rs 63.28 million was paid for 5 ropanis, 13 annas and 3 paisas of land in Bhaktapur Municipality-4. The CIB said a middleman received Rs 19.30 million from the transaction.
A subsequent survey found that the actual area of the land was only 5 ropanis, 6 annas, 2 paisas and 1 dam, according to the CIB.
The five suspects have been sent to the District Police Range, Bhaktapur, for further investigation.
