Nepal Scouts has disclosed that Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Deepak Khadka’s company owes over Rs51.9 million in rent for occupying its property. The amount includes Rs24 million in principal dues and over Rs27.8 million in penalties.

This revelation follows a directive from the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the House of Representatives, which had instructed the Scouts to submit detailed financial records regarding the unpaid dues. In response, Nepal Scouts sent the committee a comprehensive report on Thursday, detailing the dues owed by Minister Khadka’s company, Khadka Land Development Pvt Ltd.

According to Chudamani Karki, accounts officer at Nepal Scouts, the company has deposited Rs15 million in the Scouts’ account over the last two months. However, a significant amount remains unsettled. To resolve the matter, Khadka’s company has filed a case in the Kathmandu District Court seeking a waiver of penalties, while Nepal Scouts have filed a counterclaim demanding the recovery of outstanding dues with penalties. Both cases are sub judice at the district court.

The controversy comes after copies of the complaint filed by Nepal Scouts in January this year were distributed to lawmakers earlier this week. The complaint, accusing Khadka’s company of non-payment, sparked significant public and parliamentary scrutiny, raising questions about ministerial accountability and the proper use of public property.

The parliamentary committee had requested Nepal Scouts to provide supporting evidence, which was submitted on Thursday, detailing the unpaid dues and the legal status of the case.