The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Wednesday arrested Pradeep Adhikari, the director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN), for his alleged involvement in irregularities during the construction of a helipad in Nalinchok, Bhaktapur.

Adhikari was taken into custody following an investigation into complaints that the Nalinchok helipad project—built on 32 ropani of CAAN-owned land—had violated due process.

The anti-graft body on Wednesday filed a corruption case at the Special Court against Adhikari and others implicated in the project.

The complaints allege that the helipad was constructed without conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA), raising questions about both the project’s necessity and the authority’s compliance with regulatory procedures. The helipad, inaugurated on June 21, 2024 by then tourism minister Hit Bahadur Tamang and Adhikari, has been the subject of growing scrutiny in recent months.

Further details regarding Adhikari’s alleged role and the extent of the irregularities are expected to be disclosed in the days to come as the investigation progresses.