The main suspect involved in issuing death threats to the Chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Prem Kumar Rai, and nine others has been traced to the Philippines.
The CIAA had received a life-threatening letter along with a video at its office, prompting it to file a complaint with the Kathmandu District Police on Monday. Following the complaint lodged four days ago, Kathmandu Police and several other units have launched an investigation.
According to police, Prakash Pathak—the individual who sent the threat letter—has been confirmed to be in the Philippines. Three of his associates have already been arrested in Nepal. The arrested individuals told police that they worked as Pathak’s bodyguards, though they denied involvement in issuing the threats. They were seen in the video recorded by Pathak, in which he warns of killing CIAA Chief Rai and others, forming the basis of their arrest.
“Investigation is also underway. There is suspicion that some individuals may have mobilized the group. The arrested suspects have not confessed, but the nature of the video raises concerns,” an investigating officer told Nepalkhabar.
Pathak, who identifies himself as the chairman of a self-proclaimed extremist outfit called the Extremist Group of Nepal, threatened to kill 10 individuals, including CIAA Chief Rai, in the letter received by the CIAA.
The list also includes former CIAA Chief Lokman Singh Karki, former Nepal Oil Corporation Managing Director Gopal Khadka, Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and three former police chiefs—Om Bikram Rana, Hem Bahadur Gurung, and Ramesh Chand Thakuri—who were implicated in the Sudan scam. Former Foreign Minister and the wife of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Arzu Rana; former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand; and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai were also issued threats. The letter reportedly explains the reasons behind the threats to each person.
Security heightened
Security for all individuals on the threat list has been strengthened. Following directives from the Police Headquarters, the Kathmandu Valley Police Office has instructed police in all three districts to increase surveillance at their residences, during movement, and in public appearances.
Suspicions involving aviation authority chief
The threat letter arrived at the CIAA just as the investigation against Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal Director General Pradeep Adhikari reached a final stage. Police suspect that the group may have been mobilized by persons connected to issues raised in Adhikari’s corruption case. Another controversial businessman has also come under police scrutiny.
Police said it is yet to be confirmed whether Adhikari is directly involved or merely mentioned. Further clarity is expected within a few days as investigations continue.
A corruption case was filed on Wednesday at the Special Court against Adhikari and six others, accusing them of embezzling over Rs 135 million in the construction of a heliport in Nalinchowk, Bhaktapur. Former CAAN director Murari Bhandari has also been arrested. The CIAA plans to present them at the Special Court on Friday for a statement and a bail-hearing.
Earlier, a journalist who reported on Adhikari’s alleged financial irregularities had also received death threats. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) had drawn the attention of the Nepal government to ensure journalists' safety.
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