KATHMANDU: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against seven individuals, including former acting Chief Administrative Officer of Putha Uttarganga Rural Municipality in Rukum Purba, Bashistha Narayan Yadav, over alleged misuse of Rs 1.169 million.

Others charged include a former ward chair, engineers, technical staff, an accountant, and representatives of Putha Himalayan Organic Agriculture Pvt. Ltd.

According to the CIAA, the accused colluded in fiscal year 2020/21 under the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, inflating and fabricating work records for a lemon pocket development program in Ward No. 12, resulting in payment for non-existent work.

The CIAA has sought recovery of the amount and punishment under anti-corruption laws, filing the case at the Special Court in Kathmandu.