Pokhara, November 26

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Rabindra Adhikari has pledged full support on behalf of his ministry to the inquiry into purchase of two wide-body aircraft by Nepal Airlines Corporation.

Speaking at a programme in Pokhara today, the minister clarified that nobody found in the wrong would be spared in the process of purchasing the two aircraft.

“There is a parliamentary committee looking into the procurement process of the aircraft. If anyone is found guilty in the process, they must get their just desert,” observed the minister.

“As the purchases were carried out without directly dealing with the aircraft company, there is enough room for doubt. It’s too early to say anything now on whether there were any irregularities until the investigation presents its report,” said Adhikari, who denied his involvement at any point of the procurement process.

Meanwhile, students aligned to Naya Shakti Party showed black flags to the minister at Sirjana Chowk of Pokhara today seeking fair investigation into the reported ‘scam’. Police arrested six of them.

Those arrested have been identified as Naya Shakti Party student union leaders Netra Chapagain, Resham Sapkota, Bishal Timsina, Narendra Basyal, Krishna Adhikari and Tejendra Kumar Bhatta.

They have been kept in the custody of district police office. “Investigation is under way,” said SP Om Rana of Kaski District Police Office.