Pradeep Adhikari, the former Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), has been identified as the key figure behind a plan to threaten Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) chief Prem Kumar Rai with murder if he did not resign within ten days. Prakash Pathak, who was residing in the Philippines, was arrested through Interpol and brought to Kathmandu. Investigations are underway linking Pathak closely with Adhikari as the main orchestrator of the murder threat. Evidence has emerged proving that Adhikari used Pathak to pressure the ACC chief into resigning to evade corruption allegations, and it was revealed that a sum of NPR 20 million was transferred in connection with this plot.
It has been disclosed that two main conspirators behind threats to kill ACC Chief Commissioner Prem Kumar Rai along with nine others are linked to Pradeep Adhikari. On October 22, Rai received a threatening letter via email on the letterhead of the extremist group EGN Nepal. Additionally, Prakash Pathak issued threats through a video message to Rai. Pathak was arrested on January 12 (Maga 28) through Interpol and brought to Kathmandu.
Pathak and Adhikari are acquaintances from the past. Following news of Adhikari’s involvement in corruption at CAAN, Pathak reportedly requested NPR 10 million in assistance. Evidence has been found indicating Adhikari played a supporting role in the issuing of threats. Pathak has admitted to receiving NPR 20 million from Adhikari. It was also confirmed that Adhikari sent the funds via a Chinese businessman.
Pathak disclosed that he purchased an apartment in Manila city and that Adhikari proposed this plan to threaten ACC Chief Rai. Adhikari claims he drafted the threatening words, which Pathak recited in the threats. However, Adhikari denies any intention to carry out the threats. The Kathmandu District Police Office is currently conducting an investigation into the matter.
