KATHMANDU: A corruption case has been registered against Madhesh Provincial Assembly member Dipendra Kumar Thakur and 14 others over alleged irregularities in a hospital construction project.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) stated that the case involves the ‘Integrated Health Infrastructure Development Program’ under the Ministry of Health and Population in fiscal year 2077/78 (2020/21).

The project involved constructing a 15-bed hospital in Deuri Parwah, Ward No. 2 of Aurahi Rural Municipality, Dhanusha, with an estimated cost of Rs. 244.35 million.

The tender was first called on Baisakh 17, 2078 (April 30, 2021), with an initial deadline of Jestha 23, 2078 (June 6, 2021).

However, the deadline was extended by 8 days until Jestha 31, 2078 (June 14, 2021) which the CIAA claims was done with malintent and collusion among the accused.

The anti-graft body has taken legal action, accusing them of corruption and manipulation in the tender process.