The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) have decided to appeal against last week’s judgment by Phuentsholing dungkhag court, which acquitted 72 RICBL employees.

“The court ruling was passed, based on RICBL service rules, while our charges against the accused were forgery as per the Penal Code of Bhutan,� said a spokesperson for ACC.

The appeal against the judgment was decided yesterday after a meeting between ACC and OAG officials.

“Justice has to be done, justice must be seen to be done and must send a strong message to corrupt individuals,� said officials of ACC, who refused to comment further.

All the accused were acquitted on the grounds that the prosecution was unable to prove beyond reasonable doubt that original bills were required to claim reimbursement for lodge, travel and medical expenses, under the service rules and regulations of RICBL. Moreover, others, who made claims in the past, had been paid and were not required to refund their claims.

The court statement stated earlier that the judgment was based on the rules and regulations of RICBL and statements submitted by the prosecution during various stages of the trial. Source: Kuenselonline