The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a corruption case against Pradeep Pariyar, former chief administrative officer of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, and six other officials over alleged irregularities in a public contract.

According to CIAA officials, the case was filed in the Special Court on Wednesday, accusing the defendants of collusion in awarding a sewer construction contract under the Samakhusi Corridor, from Basundhara to Mhepi.

The contract, worth Rs224 million, was granted to Kalpavriksha Kohinoor JV, even though a lower bid of Rs180.9 million was submitted by Samanantar Sewa Pvt Ltd.

Pariyar served at the metropolis from January to October 2024 before being transferred to the Department of Information and Broadcasting as Director General.

Alongside him, the CIAA has charged Ravindra Man Shrestha, Yubaraj Adhikari, Basanta Acharya, Namaraj Dhakal, Uttam Dahal, and engineer Janardan Giri.

Each of the accused faces charges of causing a loss of Rs43.17 million to the state, with the anti-graft body demanding equivalent fines and custodial sentences.

“The accused deliberately disqualified the lowest bidder to favour another contractor, causing financial damage to the public institution,” said Devi Prasad Thapaliya, assistant spokesperson for the CIAA.