Former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba Summoned for E-Passport Purchase Probe
Summary
Former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has been summoned by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority regarding alleged irregularities in the e-passport purchase contract involving two German companies and high-level government officials.
Key Points
- The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority has summoned former Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba for questioning regarding the e-passport purchase case.
- Deuba is questioned on suspicion of involvement due to instructions she gave during her tenure despite no direct decision-making role in the contract process.
- Two German companies, Muhlbauer ID Service and Veridas, were awarded contracts worth 1.55 billion and 6.55 billion respectively for electronic passport printing last year.
- Director General of the Department of Passports and another official were arrested in connection with the contract, and the commission is investigating allegations of corruption and political influence in awarding the contract.
