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Today's Chatpat: October 2nd, 2023

1. The CIAA, our anti-corruption agency has filed corruption cases against three people involved with the Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) for skimming off some gold while installing the peethikakavach at the holy temple. The agency accuses them of misappropriating 1.5 kg of gold worth Rs 11.7 million. The PADT had purchased 103 kg of gold for the installation of the peethikakavach. According to media reports, the Ministry of Culture had provided Rs 300 million for the project.

But the question is, why only the three officials from PADT who are being booked for corruption when we know very well that the money trail always leads to the top. But as usual, the CIAA is very good at catching small fries while leaving the big potatoes alone because even the commissioners of our anti-corruption agency are appointed based on political affiliation.

2. PM Prachanda is back and tells the House that his visit to the US and China were very successful. I think someone needs to tell those in power that the media and the people think otherwise. Most of us feel that the government wasted our taxpayers' money to fund a pre-Dashain vacation for him and his near and dear ones.

His personal secretary went to social media to tell us that the price hike of fuel prices has nothing to do with the PM and is done scientifically based on price increase in the international market. She was defending the PM, who is also her father when everybody got angry over the price hike by NOC, just a few weeks away from Dashain.

Then what happened? NOC withdrew the price hike and I guess it was done more so politically than scientifically. NOC charges VAT and other duties on fuel and cooking gas and the consumers have to pay multiple taxes while the NOC staff get double bonus and are reported to be engaged in massive corruption.

3. Once again, doctors have been manhandled by patients' relatives, this time at KMC hospital in Sinamangal. Please note that a day earlier, the government had signed a six-point agreement with the doctors ensuring their safety and the commitment to punish those who attack medical professionals.

Why are people targeting doctors and medical professionals across the country? Are they venting their frustration with inflation and corruption against them instead? Or is the President's recent pardon of a murderer, affiliated with the Nepali Congress on the occasion of the Constitution Day has triggered some kind of an animal instinct within us?

Maybe, we should have a one patient, one caretaker rule in our hospitals instead of a dozen of chimekis coming to the hospital as if they are going to a Jatra and when things go wrong, as it does sometimes, then they turn into violent savages instead of voicing their concerns with relevant authorities, be it the hospital management or the local government authorities?

4. A high-ranking police official has resigned over allegations of sexual misconduct. The SSP was suspended and under investigation for sexual harassment of a female colleague inside his office. According to media reports the Nepal Police HQ has accepted his resignation. But will the SSP face any criminal case in the local courts or is he now free from such cases, now that is our question?

The SSP is reported to have harassed other female colleagues in the past as well but no action was taken against him over the years. He is reported to have transferred from the National Investigation Department to Nepal Police early in his career.

5. The Asian Games is in full swing and as usual China leads the medal tally. Our Nepali cricket team is facing India in the cricket quarterfinals. Out athletes have not been able to perform well but it was expected as they have to train without any resources while sports officials fill their tummy with the funds meant for sports development.

China leads the medal table with 251 overall haul, including 139 gold meals. The second place Japan has 30 gold medals and overall 116 medals. India has 55 medals to its name with 13 golds.