KATHMANDU, June 18: The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has summoned former Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba to appear before the anti-graft body within three days to provide a statement in connection with an investigation into alleged corruption in passport printing-related procurement.
According to a public notice issued by the CIAA on June 16, Deuba has been asked to appear at Division No. 12 of the commission's headquarters in Tangal, Kathmandu, as part of an ongoing inquiry into a complaint alleging irregularities and corruption in passport printing works.
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“As your statement is required during the investigation of a complaint related to corruption in passport printing-related work, you are requested to appear at Division No. 12, Room No. 12, of this Commission within three days of receiving this notice or from the date it is affixed at your residence, excluding travel time. Failure to appear will result in action in accordance with the law,” the notice states.
The CIAA affixed the notice at Deuba's residence in Budhanilkantha after it could not be served directly. The anti-graft body has directed her to report to its central office within the stipulated period.
Deuba, who is also a senior leader of the Nepali Congress (NC), travelled to Singapore on February 25 for the medical treatment of her husband Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The summons comes amid the CIAA's ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the procurement and printing of electronic passports. The issue has drawn public attention in recent years due to concerns over procurement procedures, contract management and possible financial misconduct involving state agencies responsible for passport services.
The anti-corruption watchdog has not disclosed further details about the specific allegations being investigated or Deuba's alleged role in the case.
