Former Minister Rajkumar Gupta Sent to Pre-Trial Detention

The Special Court in Kathmandu ordered the pre-trial detention of former Minister for General Administration Rajkumar Gupta on Wednesday. A joint bench consisting of judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta, Dilliratna Shrestha, and Vidur Koirala issued the ruling following a preliminary hearing regarding corruption allegations.

According to Court Spokesperson Krishna Sharan Lamichhane, the decision to keep the former minister in custody comes as investigations continue into his alleged involvement in a bribery scandal. The case was initiated by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) after incriminating evidence surfaced in the public domain.

The investigation focuses on a leaked audio recording in which Gupta is allegedly heard negotiating a bribe of 7.8 million NPR. The conversation reportedly centered on facilitating the transfer of employees, specifically Land Revenue Officers operating under the Ministry of Land Reform and Management.

The CIAA launched its formal inquiry immediately after the audio surfaced, seeking to determine the extent of the influence-peddling within the ministry. Prosecutors argued that the detention was necessary to ensure the integrity of the ongoing legal process and to prevent any potential interference with evidence or witnesses.

Legal representatives for Gupta have yet to issue a formal response to the detention order. The case highlights ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to address financial irregularities and administrative misconduct within the highest levels of government.