Pokhara, 28 January | The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has launched a major crackdown on a bribery racket involving driving license examinations at the Transport Management Office, Chabahil. Following reports of systemic irregularities, the anti-graft body seized 25 mobile phones belonging to 17 employees, including Office Chief Peshal Kumar Pokharel. Investigations reveal that officials allegedly colluded with middlemen to pass candidates who had failed their written tests, charging bribes ranging from NPR 5,000 to NPR 10,000 per person.
In addition to the transport officials, the CIAA confiscated mobile devices from three traffic police personnel, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Dorhari Nepal, and nine devices from seven individuals linked to private driving centers, such as Nepal Driving and Reconditioning Center. The agency also seized answer sheets of candidates who were illegally allowed to retake the exam within the mandatory three-month waiting period after failing. This coordinated raid highlights a deep-seated nexus between government staff and private brokers. The seized electronics have been sent for digital forensic analysis as the CIAA prepares to file corruption charges against those involved in manipulating the national licensing system.
