TIA GM Prem Nath Thakur (File Photo)
General Manager of Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Prem Nath Thakur has been suspended on the charge of demanding Rs 1 million bribe.
Thakur was suspended by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation after finding evidence that he demanded bribes to maintain the ground handling of Thai Smile, according to the ministry.
In the 13-minute-long audio clip Thakur is heard bargaining for Rs 1 million bribe from a representative of the Thai Smile for maintaining ground handling of the Thai Smile.
Following the audio clip made public, TIA GM has been suspended on Friday. Preparations are underway to submit him to the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
Rajendra Kumar KC, joint secretary at ministry informed that an audio footage of Thakur's conversation with the representative of Thai Smile Airlines for the purpose of taking illegal benefits was received.
"A written letter has been sent to the Director General of Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) to suspend him from his post in line with the decision taken by the ministry to investigate the bribery issue," he said.
