The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has arrested account officer of Katari Municipality on the charge of embezzling Rs 30 million. Rabi Chandra Dhakal was arrested for allegedly transferring the fund of municipality to his personal bank account.

Mayor Gyanendra Shrestha said a team deployed from the anti-graft body arrested Dhakal from Kathmandu.

“Shrestha has been handed over to the CIAA,” he said. Mayor Shrestha had also visited Kathmandu in search of Dhakal.

Dhakal was accused of transferring Rs 10.98 million from the account of municipality at Katari-based Rastriya Banijya Bank branch to his personal account on March 11 and Rs 10.98 million on April 9.

According to Banijya Bank, Dhakal had told that the amount was deposited into his account for the purpose of social security allowance.

Bank manager Umapati Bastola said Dhakal deposited the amount to his personal account by producing a municipality letter signed by then chief administrative officer Punya Luintel.

“Dhakal said the money was meant for distributing social security allowance,” Bastola said, adding, “The money deposited to his account came from the clearing department of the Thapathali-based Rastriya Banijya Bank.”