NA Major General Pandey Resigns Amidst Age Controversy

Major General Taradhwoj Pandey of the Nepali Army (NA) has tendered his resignation amidst an ongoing investigation into discrepancies surrounding his date of birth. Sources within the military revealed that Pandey submitted his resignation on Thursday evening, raising questions about his age just as he was on the brink of being promoted to the prestigious rank of Lieutenant General.

The internal inquiry was initiated after a formal complaint surfaced, alleging that Pandey’s age had been tampered with in his citizenship records. This controversy has cast a shadow over Pandey’s career, particularly as he was slated to be the next Chief of Army Staff.

Pandey assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff following the conclusion of Chief of Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma’s term on September 9, 2024. However, the recent investigation has revealed inconsistencies in Pandey’s date of birth. Documents indicate conflicting information, with his birth year recorded as both 2021 BS and 2023 BS.

The discrepancies have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the military’s record-keeping system and have prompted a thorough review of the entire process. The timing of Pandey’s resignation, just before his anticipated promotion, has fueled speculation about the potential consequences of the investigation and its impact on the leadership of the Nepali Army.