Sunita Dangol criticizes Mayor Balen over failure to publish probe report

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu’s Deputy Mayor, Sunita Dangol, has expressed dissatisfaction over Mayor Balen Shah’s failure to make the findings of the investigation committee public.

She criticized the approach of shifting blame onto the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) sent by the central government, without providing a clear resolution on the investigation.

“It is inappropriate to constantly accuse and call for action against the CAO, or to question why a new officer hasn’t been sent, as long as the investigation committee hasn’t made a final decision,” Dangol remarked. “It is not right to shirk one’s own responsibilities and then blame others.”

Instead of publishing the report, Mayor Shah has taken to social media, personally accusing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and making various remarks, which Dangol believes has raised some suspicions.

She stated, “The investigation report should be made public first. If the report reveals any shortcomings of the CAO, the disciplinary process should begin immediately. There should be no doubt about this. However, it’s wrong to oppose the central government’s decision to send a new CAO, while keeping the report under wraps.”

Dangol emphasized that if the investigation committee’s report reveals that the CAO, or anyone else, has engaged in a conspiracy, a thorough and impartial investigation should follow. She stressed that if any misconduct or corruption is found within the process, those responsible must face appropriate consequences.

“If the investigation report shows the CAO’s shortcomings, he should be immediately relieved of his duties,” she added. “But if others are found to have been involved in a conspiracy, their participation must also be thoroughly investigated in a fair manner.” Dangol also called for the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to look into any organized corruption surrounding this issue.

Dangol was clear in her belief that corruption, if found, should be properly addressed. “If anyone is found involved in corruption, it should be investigated by the CIAA,” she stated. “It is not acceptable for the report to be hidden, and for the blame to ultimately fall on others. This approach doesn’t seem appropriate.”

The investigation was initiated after Mayor Shah accused Chief Administrative Officer Guru Gaine of approving building construction plans for the Kathmandu Tower at the old Bus Park without following the proper procedures.

The mayor formed the investigation committee after finding that the official had not completed the necessary official processes before granting approval. The Kathmandu Metropolitan City formed a committee led by Shekhar Prasad Paudel on Poush 14, 2081, to investigate this issue.

The public awaits the release of the report and further action regarding the matter, as tensions continue to rise over accountability and transparency in the city’s administration.