INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Kathmandu, February 28
Former minister of communications and information technology Gokul Prasad Baskota, who has been accused of
negotiating kickback from Bijay Prakash Mishra, a Swiss company agent in the security press procurement deal, today filed a defamation case
against Mishra at Kathmandu District Court.
This undated image shows Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gokul Prasad
Photo courtesy: Twitter
Baskota resigned as minister of communications and information technology a few days ago after Mishra leaked an
audiotape, where Baskota is heard negotiating Rs 740 million commission with Mishra in the security press procurement deal.
Complaints have
been lodged against Baskota at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority accusing him of negotiating kickbacks in the
security press procurement deal
Baskota legal move comes a day after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended him saying there was no solid evidence against Baskota in the
He also said Baskota was being treated as if a charge of corruption against him had already been proven.
Baskota has stated in his case that
as minister of communications and technology, it was his duty to make efforts to establish a security press in the country to print
passport, postal stamp, land ownership certificate and other vital documents and in that course Mishra, who introduced himself as Nepal
agent of KBA-Notasys ‘SA& had met him.
Baskota said he did not entertain Mishra and his company as the man made unlawful offer and that
why Mishra created false evidence against him to assassinate his character
The former minister said he had told a gathering in Bhaktapur on January 8 that he was going to write a book explaining about those who
offered him commission.
He stated that he decided to go for government to government agreement on security press procurement deal as people
like Mishra acted maliciously against the interest of the country.
Baskota accused Mishra of preparing false evidence against him from the
clips of his statements that he had made on different occasions
He argued that Mishra acts violated Section 305 and 306 (1) and 306 (2) of the penal code.
Even if I had held any conversation with Mishra
in the past, he was not allowed to record those conversations because such acts are in violation of Section 293 of the penal code, Baskota
said and added that Mishra prepared false evidence to assassinate his character after he refused to entertain him and his company
There is no truth in the audiotape and I had not negotiated kickbacks with anybody, he stated in his case.
He said he resigned on moral
grounds after questions were raised against him and he would fully cooperate with investigators if an investigation was launched into the
Baskota demanded punishment for Mishra under Section 305(3), 307 (1) and 293 (2) and besides making a claim for damages.
Former
Communication Minister Baskota goes to court
Voice in kickback tape not Baskota&s, claims PM
Allegations of corruption yet to be proven: PM
Oli defends Baskota
Minister Baskota lands in controversy after ‘bargaining for commission& audio-clip leaks
The post Baskota sues Mishra
for defamation appeared first on The Himalayan Times.
