Corruption Case Filed Against Nepal Telecom MD Sangeeta Pahadi and 17 Others

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Nepal Telecom's Managing Director (MD) Sangeeta Pahadi and 17 others at the Special Court.

The CIAA registered the case on Sunday, alleging corruption during the extension of a contract related to the maintenance of Nepal Telecom’s billing system.

Among the defendants is also suspended former MD Sunil Paudel, who was previously accused in separate corruption and illicit wealth cases. Following Paudel’s suspension, Sangeeta Pahadi was appointed as MD in Bhadra 2081 (August/September 2024) by the government.

The anti-graft body has claimed NPR 334.8 million (approximately 33.48 crores) in financial damages in its case filing. The CIAA alleges that public office holders misused their positions, manipulated procedures, and caused financial harm to the state.

According to the CIAA, there is strong evidence that the involved individuals engaged in planned and coordinated corruption, breaching legal and procedural obligations during the contract process.