Journalist Kishor Shrestha denies bribery allegations in audio row involving former home minister Gurung

Kishor Shrestha, chairman of the weekly newspaper Jana Aastha, has vehemently denied allegations that he accepted bribes to publish reports critical of former home minister Sudan Gurung. The accusations surfaced via a controversial audio recording circulated on Facebook, which claims Shrestha received a significant sum of money and alcohol.

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The recording is part of a coordinated effort to defame me and my publication.

Shrestha, who is also the editor-in-chief of Jana Aastha, has labeled the recording a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation and that of his publication. He alleges that individuals with Chinese phone numbers have been contacting him, aiming to construct a narrative against the former home minister. The audio clip, purportedly featuring Shrestha's voice, includes discussions about unfavorable reports concerning "Sudaan Gurung," whom the speakers deemed "dangerous."

The recording mentions specific amounts, including "Rs 100,000 and a bottle of liquor," and suggests further coordination via the Signal messaging app. Shrestha responded to the allegations by posting denial messages and photographs on social media, asserting that the audio was part of a coordinated defamation effort. He also claimed these individuals initially inquired about the release of Rabi Lamichhane from court and later suggested preventing Gurung's return to the home ministry.

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Sudaan Gurung was not suitable for them and was a dangerous person.

Gurung himself had resigned from his position as home minister on April 22 amid scrutiny over his assets and alleged business ties. A government committee is currently investigating these allegations. Despite the ongoing inquiry, speculation about Gurung's potential return to the ministry persists, with some supporters protesting for his reinstatement.

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Rs 100,000 and a bottle of liquor