Kathmandu. The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Sangeeta Pahadi, Managing Director of Nepal Telecom, and 17 other individuals. The CIAA concluded that corruption occurred during the extension of Nepal Telecom’s billing system maintenance contract and subsequently filed the case in the Special Court.

Among the other defendants in the case are Sunil Poudel, Pratibha Shrestha, Hemprabha Rampratap Karna, and Nawal Chaudhary. The CIAA is claiming NPR 334.8 million (approximately USD 2.5 million) in restitution for this alleged corruption.

The CIAA initiated a detailed investigation after irregularities were discovered in a contract worth approximately NPR 3.15 billion (approximately USD 23.8 million) awarded by Nepal Telecom without competitive bidding. This contract, signed in Poush 2079 BS (December-January 2022/2023), would have allowed a company named Asia Info to receive over NPR 3 billion over five years, at an annual rate of about NPR 650 million.

On Poush 24, 2079 BS (January 9, 2023), Nepal Telecom’s Board of Directors decided to enter into a four-year Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) with Asia Info, the company that had been providing the billing system service. The Board also approved a proposal to extend the contract for an additional year if necessary.

The billing system is crucial for telecommunication services. Without it, telephone and internet services cannot operate. When a consumer calls another person, the billing system facilitates the connection. This system also prevents communication if there isn’t enough balance.