KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal has begun recording his statement at the Special Court in connection with a high-profile corruption case involving land transactions tied to Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal.

Nepal is appearing before a bench comprising Special Court members Tej Narayan Singh Raya, Ram Bahadur Thapa, and Bidur Koirala.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case on June 5 against Nepal and 93 others, alleging misuse of government authority during his premiership. The charges stem from a Cabinet decision that granted special permission to Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal—a non-profit subsidiary of India’s Patanjali group—to purchase 815 ropani of land in Bancha village of Kavrepalanchok district.

The CIAA accuses Nepal of unlawfully providing land ceiling exemptions and subsequently allowing the land, originally intended for public welfare projects like a hospital, herbal farm, and educational facilities, to be used for commercial purposes.

The anti-graft agency has demanded Rs. 185.85 million in damages from Nepal. Claims against the other accused vary based on their involvement in the case.