Jul 24, Kathmandu - Eight individuals have been charged in Kathmandu District Court for allegedly misappropriating land and government funds intended for Nepal Child Organization (Bal Mandir), using them for personal gain.

According to the District Government Attorney's Office, former officials and staff of the organization are accused of embezzling donations and assets meant for orphaned children. The charges are based on an investigation report by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police, which uncovered significant financial irregularities.

Among the accused are Asha Shrestha, former Project Head and current Ward No. 11 Member of Kathmandu Metropolitan City; Rajendra Kumar Shrestha, former Secretary of the Kathmandu District Committee; and Omkeshan Karmacharya, former Chairman of Lalitpur District Committee. These three have been detained by police. 

Fugitives include former Chairperson Yuri Kumari Rai, former Treasurer Deepakdas Shrestha, former Treasurer Prayagraj Shrestha, former Chairperson Bhagwan Shakya, and Advisor Ramkrishna Chitrakar.

The case does not include the late Ritu Singh Vaidya, who was the organization's former Central President, as she has already passed away. The charges are based on findings from a high-level inquiry report, 2077, and police investigations.

According to the CIB report, then-President Ritu Singh Vaidya illegally leased out 29 ropani of land in Naxal, without public notice or competition, to Manoj Kumar Mishra for 7.5 million rupees, which remains unpaid. Investigations also revealed that the accused diverted funds meant for children's welfare into personal expenses, including medical treatments, family rituals, and vehicle purchases.

In a vehicle purchase scam, Rajendra Kumar Shrestha bought a car in his name and paid installments from the organization's funds, which was then used personally by former Chairperson Bhagwan Shakya.

Additionally, Asha Shrestha, after being elected as a ward member, is accused of unlawfully receiving monthly 'transport allowance' from the organization, violating established rules.