Complaint lodged against CJ Rana

A complaint was lodged against Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana, his family members and relatives at the Department of Money Laundering Investigation on Sunday.

He has been accused of acquiring property by abusing power. The department had already collected the details obtained against Chief Justice Rana's brother Prabhu Shamsher stating that he had taken over a property using his brother's power and access. "After the media started getting enough details against him, we have tried to move the investigation forward by setting up a file," said a senior source in the department.

Prem Prasad Bhattarai, director-general of the department, said that they would collect preliminary information within the legal limits. According to an official, the department has an internal committee to investigate the complaints. The same committee will look into the complaint registered on Sunday. 

What are the allegations against the Chief Justice?

The complaint filed alleges that there are properties under Chief Justice Rana, his wife Reji Rana, brother Prabhu Shamsher, family members, and relatives.

He is also accused of making illegal profits by using judges, constitutional body officials, and other former employees. Apart from the Chief Justice, his group is also accused of corruption and bribery, criminal profiteering.

Rana's family had bought two plots of land in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-30 in 2065 BS and the house was built on it by showing a deed. Since the Money Laundering Prevention Act has been issued, the source of this asset may also be investigated.

The statement mentioned in the memorandum submitted by the Nepal Bar Association to Speaker Agni Sapkota is also based on the complaint. In Chapter 4.15 of the memorandum, Chief Justice is accused of being involved in corruption and irregularities by acquiring illegal assets by involving some members of his own family and relatives and some judges and officials appointed by him as intermediaries. 

Similarly, the report prepared by the committee headed by Supreme Court Judge Harikrishna Karki was also discussed by Dr Govinda KC has demanded that the basis of the investigation should be made. 

Other details including the involvement of Chief Justice Jabra's brother in the case pending in the court and the attempted murder, the incident behind the Ipex Complex in Baneshwor are also included in the file.