The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority filed corruption charges against former Health Minister on Thursday. The charges relate to the alleged embezzlement of 500 million rupees from the national healthcare development fund.

Investigators say the funds were diverted through a network of shell companies during the procurement of medical equipment between 2023 and 2025. Several other officials have also been named in the charge sheet.

The former minister denied all allegations, calling them politically motivated. His legal team announced they would challenge the charges in the Supreme Court.

Public reaction has been largely supportive of the commission's action, with citizens demanding greater accountability from elected officials. Anti-corruption activists organized rallies in several major cities.