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Police arrest UML Morang leader on fraud charges

Pokharel, also the former personal secretary to Rishikesh Pokharel, Chair of Nepal’s Public Accounts Committee, defrauded a sum of Rs 3.88 million. 

Kathmandu: Anil Kumar Pokharel, a member of the Morang district committee of the CPN-UML and former personal secretary to Rishikesh Pokharel, Chair of Nepal’s Public Accounts Committee, has been arrested on charges of fraud.

Pokharel was taken into custody on Thursday morning in Biratnagar, according to DSP Bed Prakash Joshi, spokesperson for the Morang District Police Office. The arrest comes after allegations that Pokharel defrauded a sum of Rs 3.88 million under the pretense of securing an MBBS seat for a student.

The accusations date back to 2014-2016, during which Pokharel allegedly assured Baualal Chaudhary, a resident of Agnisair Krishnasavaran Rural Municipality, that he could facilitate admission for Chaudhary’s daughter into a medical program. Chaudhary claims Pokharel promised to use his “influential connections” to arrange her admission, provide hostel accommodations, and ensure a conducive environment for her studies.

Despite receiving payments in installments, Pokharel failed to deliver on his promises. Also, it is alleged that he coerced Chaudhary into signing a Rs 5 million loan document under threat when his commitments went unfulfilled.

Chaudhary initially faced resistance in registering a complaint, with both the Morang District Police Office and Rangeli Area Police Office declining to take the case. The District Government Attorney’s Office also reportedly refused to instruct police to proceed, allegedly due to Pokharel’s political influence.

The case took a turn when Rishikesh Pokharel dismissed Anil Kumar Pokharel from his role as personal secretary following the public exposure of the allegations.

Anil Kumar Pokharel had also been a candidate for the provincial assembly during Nepal’s 2022 elections.