Couple arrested for opening fake government office

Kathmandu. It was revealed that the fraud was done using the government’s seal and signature. But in Bardiya, a couple has been found cheating by setting up a fake government office.

Police have arrested a husband and wife on the charge of cheating. The arrestees have been identified as Ghanashyam Neupane, 24, and his wife Kripa Chaudhary, both residents of Thakurbaba Municipality-3 in Bardiya district.

They had operated a fake government office named ‘Praganna and Badkapath Irrigation Department’ at a house in Bagnaha of Thakurbaba Municipality-3 in Bardiya. According to the police, they have been found cheating locals in the name of providing jobs or employment by forging their signboards, letter pads and stamps.

Under the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, there is a ‘Praganna and Badkapath Irrigation Management Office’ at Lamahi of Dang. They had been using signboards, letter pads and seals with the name ‘Praganna and Badkapath Irrigation Department’ to match its name.

It is also alleged that the owner of the house operating the office was not paid by asking him to add the floor of the house.

Police had started investigation after receiving a complaint from the concerned landlord. During the investigation, it was revealed that they had opened fake government offices and appointed local people as employees, employed them in various wage jobs and did not pay wages.

Police arrested Ghanashyam Neupane, 24, of Thakurbaba Municipality-3 and his wife Kripa Chaudhary, 23, of Lamahi Municipality-5, Dang on June 4. Further investigation into the case is underway, police said.