Ex-PM Nepal to testify in Patanjali land corruption case

KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and Chair of CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, is set to appear before the Special Court on Wednesday to give his statement in a corruption case related to land exchange with Patanjali Yogpeeth.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a case against Nepal, accusing him of misusing his authority during his premiership by facilitating a controversial land swap in Hetauda that allegedly benefited Patanjali Yogpeeth.

The CIAA claims the decision was made under the guise of a policy-level Cabinet decision, resulting in irregularities and corruption.

Nepal had requested to personally appear before the court to provide his statement, and the court scheduled the hearing accordingly.

According to legal representatives close to him, Nepal aims to expedite the statement process.

Following his statement, a detention hearing will be held—considered the most crucial stage of the proceedings.

Nepal’s lawyers are expected to argue for his release on a general date, citing his public stature and the absence of flight risk or threat of evidence tampering.

On the other hand, the prosecution will argue for his detention, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for an impartial investigation.

The CIAA had filed the case on Jestha 22, implicating several individuals, including Nepal, in the alleged misuse of state land during his term as Prime Minister.