Dissatisfied with the Time-Bound Bench’s judgment, Phajo Nidup appealed to the High Court, yesterday. He was sentenced to more than 21 years for bribery, deceptive practices, and forgery among others last week.
Phajo Nidup in his appeal letter stated that he took a loan from the Bank of Bhutan in Phuentsholing and he was convicted for forgery and bribery, which falls under fourth-degree felony.
He stated that while he was convicted for forging a signature, he had the authority to use the land as a mortgage, since he purchased the land and the land owner did not file any complaint against him.
Phajo also requested the High Court to review his land purchase evidence and consider it as deception and not forgery.
As for the case of bribery, Phajo Nidup’s appeal letter states that the Nu 2.75 M given to a bank employee was not bribery, but was lent to him. He also claims to have evidence for the same.
Phajo Nidup also wrote that loans obtained from the Bank of Bhutan were done as per the agreement, which is not bribery.
In the appeal letter, Phajo Nidup stated that if he were to receive a sentence, he will not be able to repay the loans, thus affecting the State and other individuals.
Phajo Nidup has appealed to the High Court for a prison term that can be compounded or allow him to pay Thrim-Thue.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Sherub Dorji
