RCCC summons ex minister Rawal over graft charges

The controversial Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) has summoned former minister and CPN-UML leader Bhim Rawal in connection with eight-year-old case of leasing of China South West Airlines (CSWA).

UML leader and former minister Bhim Rawal (File Photo)

Informed sources said RCCC officials went to Rawal’s residence this afternoon and handed him a letter asking him to appear before the anti-corruption body within 24 hours for clarification.

Rawal, who said he was ready to face the investigation into the case, has agreed to appear before the commission on Monday, sources said.

Reports say the RCCC is looking into the case of alleged irregularities while leasing the CSWA aircraft for the national flag carrier, Royal Nepalese Airlines Corporation (RNAC). Rawal was the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation when the deal was made.

Rawal is a central committee member of the CPN (UML).

Rawal has been accused of irregularity by fixing the daily fare of USD 3150 while leasing the CSWA aircraft instead of USD 2800 as mentioned in the lease agreement.

Much before the birth of the controversial RCCC, the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) – a constitutional body-- had investigated into the case in 2000 and decided to keep the case against Rawal in `pending’ after failing to establish his role in irregularities in the deal.

Meanwhile, the RCCC has also started interrogating then Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) managers BK Man Singh and Bharat Bahadur Karki for their involvement in the commission scam.

Opposition parties say the RCCC—that was constituted after the royal takeover in February this year—is targeting their leaders and cadres out of political vendetta. RCCC officials deny such allegations.

RCCC has been empowered to investigate, prosecute and hand out judgment on cases of corruption. Legal experts say such a mandate is simply against the natural law of justice.

RCCC is also investigating against former minister and Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader, Rajiv Parajuli, on charge of amassing huge property disproportionate to his sources of income, according to reports. nepalnews.com mk/by Aug 29 05

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