Arrest Warrants Issued Against Ex-Chairperson and Survey Officers in Land Fraud Case

Rautahat, June 20, 2025 — Arrest warrants have been issued against the former chairperson of Durgabhagwati Rural Municipality, Arun Sah, and multiple others in connection with a land fraud case in Rautahat district.

Following a formal complaint, the Area Police Office in Garuda obtained approval from the Rautahat District Court to arrest Sah on fraud charges. According to DSP Rajan Karki of Garuda Police, the arrest warrants also cover Sanjay Sah, the head of the Toke Survey Team under the Dillibazar Survey Office in Kathmandu; Bimala Devi Shrestha of Nagarjun-4, Kathmandu; and her son, Dhiraj Shrestha.

Complaint Filed Over Land Dealings

The case originated from a complaint lodged by Santosh Kumar Chaudhary of Garuda Municipality-6, Pothiyahi. He accused the group of defrauding him in a land transaction.

DSP Karki stated, “It appears that Santosh had deposited NPR 11 million to purchase land. The involvement of Survey Chief Sah and others in the deal indicates bad intent, prompting a fraud investigation.”

A letter has been sent to the Kathmandu Police requesting the arrest of Survey Chief Sah. Dillibazar Survey Office’s acting head, Prakash Oli, confirmed that Sanjay Sah is currently on leave until Asar 15, 2082 BS (June 29, 2025).

“A letter has been sent instructing Sah to report to the police station,” Oli said. “Since he is on leave, we haven’t been able to notify him yet. He will be informed after his return.”

Accusations of Taking NPR 1 Million Advance

Chaudhary has also accused ex-chairman Arun Sah of taking NPR 1 million in cash after assuring him that he would help recover NPR 14 million from Survey Officer Sah as both principal and interest. Following this, the police issued an arrest warrant for Sah as well.

Past Allegations of Illicit Wealth

While serving as the head of Chandrapur Survey Office in 2021 (2078 BS), Sah was also accused of accumulating illicit wealth, though no formal investigation has taken place in that case.

Chaudhary recounted that during this time, he became acquainted with Sah. They later agreed to jointly purchase a plot of land in Haripur Municipality–7, Sarlahi, registered under plot number 773, which was owned by Bimala Devi Shrestha of Nagarjun-4.

Details of the Disputed Transaction

Chaudhary initially paid NPR 11 million as an advance. When additional funds were needed for the land registration, Survey Chief Sah invested the remaining amount and registered the land under his own name.

According to Chaudhary, the land — valued at NPR 20 million — was later divided into four separate plots and sold to four individuals in 2080/081 BS (2023/24 AD) without informing him. He now claims he has invested over NPR 12.5 million in the land.

“I’m now seeking justice through the police,” said Chaudhary. “When Sah ignored my request for a refund, I had no choice but to file a fraud complaint.”

Police Action Against Other Accused

Police reported that landowner Bimala Devi Shrestha had already passed away. Her son, Dhiraj Shrestha, was arrested and released a week ago on bail.

According to Garuda Police, Chaudhary had paid a total of NPR 10.4 million to Bimala and Dhiraj through multiple installments. He also claimed to have invested in filling and leveling the land.