Pradeep Adhikari’s flight to power—and the turbulent fall
Summary
Pradeep Adhikari, former director general of Nepal's Civil Aviation Authority, was arrested for financial irregularities related to major aviation infrastructure projects amid allegations of corruption, nepotism, and administrative abuse during his tenure.
Key Points
- Pradeep Adhikari proposed self-demotion to reset promotion and retain top post but his plan failed.
- He was arrested by Nepal's anti-graft body for corruption related to the Pokhara International Airport and other projects.
- During his tenure, Nepal's aviation safety record declined with multiple fatal crashes and poor operational outcomes.
- Political interference and systemic corruption hindered civil aviation reforms, enabling misuse of power and extensive financial irregularities.
