March 8, Kathmandu – The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) arrested Pradeep Adhikari, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), on December 2, 2025.
Adhikari was apprehended for alleged irregularities in the construction of a heliport in Nalinchok, Bhaktapur, and was sent to Dillibazar prison for pretrial detention on December 6, 2025. Subsequently, a corruption case related to the Pokhara International Airport was filed against him while he was in custody.
Currently, the Kathmandu District Police Office is investigating three cases against Adhikari—namely, attempt to cause death, organized crime, and money laundering—all connected to the Nalinchok heliport and Pokhara airport corruption cases.
During these investigations, authorities uncovered new details linking Adhikari to an individual named Nabinraj Basnet.
Basnet’s Attempts to Slow Down and Settle Cases
The CIAA had been investigating Adhikari in relation to corruption allegations concerning both the Nalinchok heliport and the Pokhara airport for a long time. Despite efforts to influence the commission and hamper the inquiry, Adhikari could not succeed in stopping the investigation.
Records suggest these attempts to manipulate the investigation were channeled through Nabinraj Basnet, who had a longstanding association with Adhikari and was working closely with him.
Basnet previously undertook contracts including taxiway and apron work at Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa three years ago. The contract was awarded to Ashish-Kshmadevi-Buddha Himalaya JV, in which Basnet was affiliated with Kshmadevi at the time.
WhatsApp chat logs between Adhikari and Basnet reveal explicit communication about settling cases with the CIAA. Basnet assured Adhikari that through Rajesh Bajracharya, a person codenamed ‘Ba’, they could resolve the corruption case amicably.
On the night of November 23, 2025, at 11:07 p.m., Adhikari messaged Basnet referencing a conversation with Rajesh, stating, “Basnet replied at 11:10 p.m., saying they were waiting in the kitchen. Basnet also sent another message: ‘I will meet Ba too. Brother, we are together.’”
Earlier, on November 22, Adhikari had inquired about progress, to which Basnet responded that ‘Ba’ had to handle it and that ‘RM is involved in this matter.’
On November 17, Basnet reassured Adhikari via message, stating, “Why so much pressure? It will stop, do not worry.”
Basnet appeared to assure Adhikari that the case with the CIAA would be halted. On November 4, at 12:24 p.m., Adhikari messaged Basnet about the situation, mentioning files and locations related to the investigation.
Further messaging shows a dialogue regarding letters received from CIAA. Basnet questioned what kind of letters these were, and a 1 minute 38 seconds audio conversation followed.
On the night of November 25, 2025, at 11:10 p.m., Basnet messaged Adhikari, “Although slow, I will do it, brother. Do not be tense,” to which Adhikari responded affirmatively.
The efforts to settle cases with the CIAA seem to have been coordinated from their homes located in Bhaktapur’s Suryabinayak-2 area, where Basnet and Rajesh Bajracharya are neighbors.
Though Adhikari and Basnet’s chats mention Rajesh Bajracharya and ‘Ba’, investigators have not yet found evidence that Basnet reached the highest levels to secure case dismissals.
“Basnet reportedly invoked names of senior officials to reassure Adhikari about settling cases; however, there is no proof that Basnet extended this reach that far,” said an investigative official.
Inquiries regarding the WhatsApp chats have been met with denials from Basnet, who claimed, “I am an honest worker, and I still operate in Bhairahawa. What you mentioned is not true.”
Threats via Militant Group and Attempts to Resign CIAA Chief
After failing to manipulate the CIAA investigation, Adhikari and associates reportedly resorted to various activities, including issuing death threats through a militant group, forcing the CIAA chief, Prem Rai, to resign, and using tantric rituals.
Basnet even created a letterhead of the militant organization and sent it to Adhikari via WhatsApp. Digital forensic lab reports confirm that this letterhead was transmitted from Basnet’s phone number ending in 7777.
The original letterhead was part of a PDF file later converted into a JPG image. Basnet, in his police statement, claimed no knowledge of sending this letterhead from his WhatsApp.
Through the letterhead, Prakash Pathak threatened the CIAA chief and nine others with death, demanding immediate resignation; a video also circulated supporting these threats.
It was confirmed that Pathak was paid a contract fee of NPR 20 million for the threats. Initially, the amount was NPR 100 million but later settled at NPR 20 million through bargaining.
Pathak and Adhikari are acquaintances from before. Adhikari employed a Chinese citizen to remit money to Pathak in the Philippines through hundi channels.
Pathak revealed that upon receiving the funds, he purchased an apartment worth NPR 16 million in the Philippines. He claimed to have been manipulated and entrapped by both Basnet and Adhikari due to financial temptation.
Interpol issued a Red Notice for Pathak’s arrest in the Philippines, and he was brought back to Nepal on January 11, 2026. Investigations are ongoing.
Recent probes include taking statements from Basnet, who denied any acquaintance with Prakash Pathak.
Basnet admitted knowing Adhikari and confirmed WhatsApp communication with him but claimed ignorance of evidence and chats implicating him in the allegations.
Use of Tantric Rituals
Following the failure of other strategies, Adhikari apparently resorted to using tantric rites for protection. A 43-year-old tantric guru known as Baba Saraya Kinnera (Jay Jagadambe) from Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati, Assam, India, was involved.
Adhikari reportedly sent a photo of CIAA Chief Prem Rai to Jay Jagadambe, instructing him to perform tantric rituals intended to harm the chief. The tantric then crafted an idol of Rai and conducted rites culminating in stabbing the idol with weapons and burning it, sending the video to Adhikari.
Basnet stated in his police testimony that he requested Jay Jagadambe to conduct rituals to protect Adhikari. “I came to know from Pradeep Adhikari about the ongoing CIAA investigation, and I called the guru via WhatsApp to perform protective prayers,” Basnet stated.
When contacted, Basnet denied introducing the tantric baba to Adhikari, stating, “I have not introduced the tantric baba to Adhikari.”
Adhikari and Basnet reportedly welcomed Jay Jagadambe at the airport when he was brought from Nepal to perform rituals intended to harm CIAA Chief Rai.
Basnet Changed Six Mobile Phones Within Seven Months
Authorities intensified investigations focusing on Basnet after his activities appeared suspicious. Technical analysis revealed detailed mobile phone records.
Within seven months, Basnet changed six different mobile devices. On June 20, 2025, he used an iPhone 16 Pro Max, model A3297; on September 30, he switched to an iPhone 17 Pro Max, model A3526, which he continued to use on November 17, 2025.
On January 24, 2026, he used an iPhone 14 Pro Max, model A2894, and changed again on January 25 to iPhone 17 Pro Max, model A3526.
Just five days later, on January 30, he used another iPhone 17 Pro Max, model A3525.
“The frequent changes in mobile devices add to the evidence against him,” said an investigating official. “Switching phones multiple times within days is not a good sign. These developments provide additional leads in our ongoing investigation.”
Various evidences have brought Basnet under the investigative spotlight, and his statement has already been recorded by law enforcement.
