Former Nepal PM Madhav Kumar Nepal Charged in Patanjali Land Scam Involving 93 Individuals
New Delhi, India – In a landmark move, Nepal’s anti-corruption body, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), has filed corruption charges against former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal and 92 others. The case pertains to a land acquisition deal involving Patanjali Yogpeeth Nepal, linked to Indian yoga guru Baba Ramdev. The CIAA alleges that during Nepal’s tenure as Prime Minister (2009–2011), his cabinet approved Patanjali’s purchase of land exceeding legal limits in Kavrepalanchok district. This land, intended for herbal production and a hospital, was later sold or exchanged at higher prices, causing a state loss estimated at NPR 185.85 million (approximately USD 1.35 million).
As per Nepalese law, public officials charged with corruption are automatically suspended from their positions. Consequently, Madhav Kumar Nepal’s parliamentary membership has been suspended. Nepal has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the land transactions were legal and accusing current Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli of orchestrating the charges for political gain. Patanjali has also refuted the allegations, stating that the land was acquired through legal means and that the company did not purchase any government land. This case marks the first time a former Prime Minister of Nepal has been formally charged with corruption, highlighting the country’s intensified efforts to combat misuse of public office.
