17th January 2025, Kathmandu
The Ministry of Home Affairs has ramped up its efforts to reclaim assets obtained through corruption. It has proposed transferring these properties, including land and buildings, into government ownership.
MOHA Confiscates NPR 2 Billion Corrupt Assets
This follows Supreme Court rulings supporting the seizure of assets acquired through illegal means. Suresh Panthee, Director General of the Department of Asset Management, shared that over 3,500 court verdicts have been issued for the confiscation of corrupt assets.
Targeting Assets Worth NPR 2 Billion
The ministry is set to seize assets worth around NPR 2 billion. The initial focus is on properties in the Kathmandu Valley, primarily those owned by five former government officials involved in corruption. These properties, which have been used by individuals for some time, are now being reclaimed for government use.
Active Steps in Seizing Corrupt Assets
Panthee explained that the ministry has established five teams, led by branch officers, to gather relevant documents and evidence on the seized assets. The government is working quickly to ensure these properties are legally transferred into its name.
Legal Process for Asset Seizure
According to the law, assets gained through corruption and criminal activities can be confiscated. The ministry will either auction or repurpose these assets for public use once they are seized. Properties linked to corruption cases will be transferred for government use, ensuring they benefit the public.
Case Involving Criminal Assets
The ministry is also addressing properties linked to criminal activity. A significant case involves an Indian national, Niranjan Hojai, who had used a false identity to acquire land in Kathmandu. Hojai, involved in criminal and terrorist activities, hid his identity by using fake citizenship documents. The government is now working to seize this property.
Former Civil Servants Among Targeted Individuals
The first set of properties targeted for confiscation belong to former civil servants: Ammonand Mishra, Saraswati Dhungana, Murari Bahadur Karki, Keshar Jung Khadka, and Ramatra Chaturvedi. These individuals amassed wealth through corruption and used properties in the Kathmandu Valley. The ministry is actively working to reclaim these properties for the state.
Criminal Networks and Concealed Assets
In another case, Niranjan Hojai, who acquired land in Kathmandu under a fake name, used his marriage to a Nepali woman to conceal his identity. Despite vacating the property over a year ago, it hasn’t yet been transferred to the government. After a thorough investigation, the ministry has identified the property as being linked to Hojai’s criminal activities.
Government Commitment to Asset Recovery
The Ministry of Home Affairs is determined to recover assets gained through corruption and criminal actions. The government is ensuring these properties are returned to the state, either for public use or auction, as per legal guidelines. The seizure process continues to move forward with urgency.
In conclusion, the government is taking decisive steps to recover assets linked to corruption and criminal activities. The ministry remains committed to ensuring that these properties are used for the benefit of the public and the nation, following all legal procedures.
For more: MOHA Confiscates NPR 2 Billion Corrupt Assets
