The CIAA began investigation into the illegal sand mining and issued the directive, following the publication of news reports by Nagarik daily, the sister publication of Republica, in the recent days. [break]
"The CIAA has also decided to seize the files of the PADT in connection with the sand mining," said a statement issued by the anti-graft body on Tuesday.
Following the CIAA´s directive, contractor Bachchu Ram Dahal, who is involved in sand mining in the area, said he would abide by the commission´s directive. "But I will move the Supreme Court for justice," he said.
Nagarik daily in its news stories disclosed that the PADT had been selling the sand in the area at a rate five times lower than the normal market rate for the last 18 months to Dahal. The PADT sold a truckload of sand at Rs 305 whereas the market price is Rs 2,200. Recently, the PADT had minimally increased the rate to Rs 410.
The CIAA had corresponded to the PADT some eight months ago, too, instructing it to ban sand mining from the area but later directed it to take a decision that would be at the interests of the Pashupati area.
Holding a press meet on Monday, Minister for Culture Dr Minendra Rizal had said the ministry would take a decision after a technical committee formed to study the matter comes up with its findings. "We will take action as per the findings and recommendations of the committee as soon as it comes up with its report," he said.
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