CIAA Expands E-Passport Investigation As Former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba Is Asked To Appear
The CIAA has brought former Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba into its investigation into the e-passport procurement case and has issued a notice asking her to appear for questioning. The inquiry, which already involves several detained officials, is examining allegations of irregularities in the passport tender process that may have caused significant financial losses to the state.
The investigation into Nepal's e-passport procurement process has widened, with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) formally seeking a statement from former Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.
A notice requesting her appearance before investigators was delivered to her registered address in Budhanilkantha on Wednesday as part of the ongoing inquiry. The move follows a series of actions taken by the anti-corruption body in connection with allegations surrounding the passport procurement project.
The investigation focuses on claims that irregularities may have occurred during the tendering and contract award process for the supply of electronic passports. Authorities are examining whether procurement decisions were carried out in accordance with established procedures and whether the state incurred unnecessary financial costs.
Investigators are reviewing complaints that allege certain individuals may have influenced various stages of the procurement process, including the preparation of tender packages and contractor selection. Officials are also analyzing communication records, documents, and other materials collected during the inquiry.
The passport procurement contracts were awarded for approximately Rs 8.06 Arba, but several complaints submitted to oversight agencies have questioned aspects of the evaluation process and pricing structure. Some of those complaints claim that procurement decisions may have increased project costs by nearly Rs 1 Arba.
As part of the investigation, the CIAA has already taken several officials and individuals connected to the project into custody, including Passport Department Director General Tirtha Raj Aryal. Statements have also been recorded from multiple government officials and technical personnel associated with the procurement process.
The anti-corruption agency is currently examining the role of around 40 individuals linked to the case. Investigators continue to gather evidence and verify allegations before deciding on possible legal action.
Officials involved in the inquiry have indicated that the investigation is progressing rapidly and that conclusions regarding the case may be reached after the remaining evidence and statements are reviewed.
Published Yesterday in Politics