Pradeep Offered Rs 5 Lakh in Each Hand to Arrange Case Settlement with Ganja Leader

March 14, Kathmandu – Pradeep Adhikari, the suspended Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) currently held at Dillibazar prison on corruption charges, reportedly sought the help of a Ganja leader during the final stages of trying to settle his case.

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) was nearing the final phase of probing corruption at the helipad in Nalinchok, Bhaktapur, and Pokhara International Airport, preparing to file formal charges. To avoid this, Adhikari reportedly sought the support of a Ganja leader.

Adhikari initially worked on contracts for the taxiway and apron in Bhairahawa and attempted to settle the CIAA case through his acquaintance, Naveenraj Basnet.

At one point, Basnet communicated with CIAA Chief Prem Kumar Rai through Rajesh Bajracharya, a personal aide to former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, trying to settle the case, a matter that was publicly disclosed earlier.

When these efforts failed, Adhikari involved a 43-year-old Indian tantric baba named Saraya Kinnera (also known as Jai Jagadbbe). This tantric was reportedly shown a photo of the CIAA chief and plans were made to use occult methods to harm him.

Subsequently, when these attempts failed, threats were reportedly made against Rai’s life to force his resignation, with Prakash Pathak, a former associate of Adhikari based in the Philippines, playing a role. It was found that a hit contract was sent promising up to Rs 100 million but with an initial Rs 20 million.

Since Rai did not resign and the case process continued, Adhikari then sought assistance from a Ganja activist as well.

Digital forensic examination of Adhikari’s mobile phone shows conversations with someone he claimed could arrange a settlement through Ganja.

He names a Ganja leader, saying, “Whatever they want, I’m ready.”

The reply said, “I will arrange it,” and Adhikari asked to meet this Ganja leader. The response was again, “Okay.”

Adhikari urged, “Quickly.”

The mediator responded, “I’ll set it up.”

Adhikari then said, “Let’s talk about me; I need someone like that.”

The mediator said, “I’ll take you on a long drive and meet you within two days.”

Later, Adhikari mentioned two Ganja leaders, saying, “I will make him work through them.” (The names of these leaders have not been disclosed due to ongoing investigation and insufficient evidence.)

Adhikari asked, “Bring them to the office.”

The mediator replied, “I will bring them the day after tomorrow.”

While the authenticity of this dialogue is still unverified, it has been noted that one Ganja leader did visit Adhikari’s office.

Adhikari inquired about the power of the two leaders, asking, “Who is more powerful?”

In response, a name was given, and Adhikari further asked, “Who else is there? Will they rally kids and youths on the streets?”

The mediator provided the name of one such individual.

Additionally, evidence surfaced that a Ganja mediator received Rs 500,000 in cash from CAAN.

Chandamala Shrestha, a CAAN employee, was found to have physically delivered this amount in cash.

After collecting the money at the office, Chandamala messaged Adhikari, saying, “Is this to be given to …? I gave five, but six was expected.”

Adhikari replied, “Okay.”

Chandamala asked, “Shall I give one now?”

He responded, “Is that all? It’s so expensive now. It will be tough for sir. We will do it later. Call me.”

Evidence also shows the Ganja mediator sent another person to collect money at CAAN’s office. It was found that Vishnu Prasad Paudel, another CAAN employee, received Rs 500,000 in cash in Chandamala’s office.

When questioned about the suspicious Rs 500,000 transaction, Adhikari stated it was his personal money. He claimed, “I worked with those individuals to counter false news against me and to communicate the truth to the public. I spent this money from my personal salary and other income sources. CAAN has not made any official decision regarding this matter.”

Meanwhile, Arjun Bahadur Shahi, who is described as a Ganja activist, reportedly threatened Adhikari while conducting visits at CAAN. This incident is also subject to suspicion. After reaching CAAN, Shahi reportedly went to the CIAA to demand the resignation of CIAA Chief Rai, which is currently under investigation.

Adhikari was arrested by the CIAA on December 13 on corruption charges and was transferred to prison on December 21 for trial. During this period, a corruption case regarding Pokhara International Airport was also registered against him.

At present, investigations continue into charges including money laundering, organized crime, illegal possession of criminal benefits, and criminal conspiracy.

Note: The person claiming to arrange the Ganja settlement is named Ravi Singhal, who reportedly sent Divakar Dhungana to CAAN to collect the money.