Kathmandu – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the special court’s verdict that acquitted former Chief Secretary Baikuntha Aryal and other accused in the excise sticker printing corruption case.

The CIAA claimed that the special court ignored facts and evidence and delivered a flawed judgment, and argued that the accused should be punished according to the charges in the indictment.

On 9 Ashar 2081 BS, the CIAA had filed the case against 12 individuals, including then Chief Secretary Aryal and Finance Ministry Joint Secretary Ritesh Shakya, demanding imprisonment and fines totaling NPR 386,717,640. The indictment also stated that an additional NPR 68,445,600 paid for sticker printing should be recovered individually from the accused.

On 14 Ashoj 2081 BS, the special court acquitted most of the accused while finding the then Executive Director of the Security Printing Press, Bikal Paudel, and Director Safal Shrestha guilty. The CIAA filed the appeal on Sunday against this verdict.

According to the CIAA, the basis and facts cited by the special court for acquittal contradict established evidence and investigation findings. The commission has urged the court to annul the previous verdict and ensure punishment according to the indictment.

Sunil Poudel and Vikal Poudel arrested in security printing press and payment gateway case

Corruption case against Sunil Poudel on charges of accepting bribe of Rs 30 million