A corruption case has been filed against former chief minister of Sudur Paschim province Dirgha Bahadur Sodari.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) filed the case at the Special Court on Monday, accusing Sodari of illegally amassing property.
The CIAA said that out of the total property worth Rs 19.39 million acquired by Sodari, only Rs 8.55 million was found to have been obtained through legitimate income sources.
The corruption case was filed against Sodari as he could not verify the source of the remaining property worth Rs 10.84 million. The CIAA had investigated the period from January 21, 2018, to February 22, 2023.
“It has been established that Sodari acquired illegal wealth and lived an inconsistent and unnaturally lavish lifestyle,” the CIAA said, demanding recovery of the amount acquired illegally, along with imprisonment and a fine equivalent to the loss.
The anti-graft body has also sought the confiscation of property acquired illegally by Sodari.
It has also demanded additional imprisonment and fine for Sodari, accusing him of hiding assets by submitting false details without disclosing actual property records.
Since Sodari previously served as minister for social development, minister for physical infrastructure development, and provincial assembly member under the Sudurpaschim Provincial Government, the CIAA has demanded additional punishment.
It has also sought the confiscation of properties purchased, houses constructed, and bank deposits in the names of Sodari’s wife, Geeta Sodari, and son, Bobby Sodari, with undisclosed sources of income.
Sodari served as chief minister of Sudur Paschim from April 18, 2024, to August 4, 2024.
