UML criticizes “attempts to influence investigation” into co-op fraud

The CPN-UML on Thursday expressed concern over the activities of various organizations and individuals, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party, who allegedly tried to influence the ongoing investigation into misappropriation of deposits of various cooperatives.

The party argued that there was no point in raising questions about the ongoing investigation and prosecution process as the process was based on the report prepared by a special tribunal formed by the House of Representatives with the involvement of major parties and it had been passed unanimously, and the House ordered the government to implement the report’s recommendations.

“The process of investigation and prosecution should not be hampered, especially when the report was accepted by the House which directed the government to implement it,” said UML general secretary Shankar Pokharel , in a statement this Thursday.

Pokharel said it is everyone’s collective responsibility to support the ongoing investigation, prosecution and judicial process of those found responsible by the report.

The ruling party has taken serious exception to the participation of RSP legislators in the protests.

“Convening more than five persons with a plan to prevent government officials from performing their duty as defined by law is a crime,” the statement said. “The involvement of federal lawmakers in these acts and the instigation of others for them is a serious crime.”

The party also called for respect for the judicial process, and urged political parties, the media, governmental and non-governmental bodies and citizens to cooperate in ensuring that the investigation is conducted in a fair and independent manner.

The ruling party also pointed to the constitutional duty of every citizen to adhere to and respect the law. “Every citizen has a constitutional duty to follow and respect the law, and it is punishable to obstruct public officials in their duties or to coerce them into illegal activities,” the statement said.

The UML asked all parties involved to refrain from activities that could disrupt the ongoing investigation and asked the government to maintain a fair and impartial judicial environment.