Rishikesh Pokharel, chair of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, has dismissed his personal secretary, Anil Kumar Pokharel, who faces allegations of fraud. Chair Pokharel sent a letter to the Federal Parliament Secretariat confirming the dismissal.

According to Ekram Giri, spokesperson for the Parliament Secretariat, the letter was sent on Friday, stating the decision to remove the secretary.

The Biratnagar High Court had issued a mandamus order to the Morang District Police Office to investigate fraud allegations against Anil.

“My serious attention has been drawn to media reports stating that my personal secretary, Anil Kumar Pokharel, has an arrest warrant issued by the High Court in Morang. To facilitate investigations into the allegations, I hereby remove him from his responsibilities, effective immediately,” Rishikesh wrote in the letter addressed to the General Secretary of the Federal Parliament.

The chair added that he firmly believes in impartial investigations and strict action against anyone involved in corruption-related activities.

Anil allegedly promised to secure admission for a candidate in an MBBS entrance exam in exchange for Rs3.88 million from Bauwalal Chaudhary. He reportedly coerced Chaudhary into signing a loan document for Rs5 million under threat when the promise went unfulfilled.

The Morang District Police Office and Rangeli Area Police Office initially refused to register Chaudhary’s complaint. The District Government Attorney’s Office declined to instruct police to register the case. It is alleged that Anil used political influence to avoid legal proceedings.

Anil is a member of the Morang district committee of the CPN-UML. He was recommended for a provincial assembly candidacy during the 2022 elections and has served as Rishikesh Pokharel’s personal secretary since Pokharel became chair of the Public Accounts Committee.