Party Launches Internal Investigation into MP Khagendra Sunar Amid Audio Controversy; Police Respond
Image Source, FB/Khagendra Sunar
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) spokesperson Jagdish Kharel has announced that the party has initiated an internal investigation concerning the news reports and publicly circulated audio materials related to the elected member of parliament Khagendra Sunar.
“The party’s disciplinary committee has begun an inquiry into the audio in question,” said Kharel. “Party Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane has instructed that the investigation be conducted independently.”
The audio accusing MP Sunar is currently a matter of public debate, however, there has yet to be independent verification confirming whether the voice in the audio is his.
Sunar has described the audio as “false, created with the assistance of AI and technology as propaganda.”
In a video he released on Facebook on Tuesday, he stated, “I earnestly request both the party and government to thoroughly investigate all the allegations and questions raised against me.”
What is the police response?
Police have reported that no formal complaint regarding the controversial audio has been registered with their department as of now.
Deputy spokesperson of Nepal Police, Deepshamsher Jabara, said, “We have no information about any complaint being filed on this matter.”
He added, “Without a complaint from the alleged victim, police intervention is not possible. Procedures will only progress once a formal complaint is received.”
As Sunar is affiliated with Raswapa, currently part of the government, public attention is focused on how the government will handle the situation.
The party has stated, “We will provide full cooperation from the party side during any investigations conducted by state authorities.”
In a statement released Tuesday morning, party General Secretary Bipinkumar Acharya said, “It is important to take note of the seriousness of the matters made public, and we trust that a prompt, independent, impartial, and fact-based investigation will be carried out by the relevant state authorities.”
Spokesperson Kharel mentioned that informal discussions are ongoing with government officials regarding the matter.
However, he clarified, “Formally, the roles of the party and government are separate. The party will assist the government where necessary.”
Ban on representing the party in official events
Following the initiation of internal investigation, Raswapa has instructed Khagendra Sunar not to participate in any formal events in his capacity as a public official.
General Secretary Acharya described the matter as serious and sensitive in the statement.
“The allegations made in the media involve language that undermines the dignity and respect of women, as well as serious issues such as undue pressure, threats, and suspicious financial transactions,” the statement read.
“Raswapa stands firmly for law and order, good governance, and civic accountability and will not treat such allegations against its members or representatives lightly.”
Background of Khagendra Sunar
Image Source, FB/Khagendra Sunar
Khagendra Sunar was elected from Banke Constituency No. 3 as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) candidate in the 2082 House of Representatives election and is known as an activist for Dalit rights.
He has a background in journalism and has attracted considerable attention and controversy due to his aggressive style and presentation.
Recently, he was accused of disrespectful behavior towards police leadership during a parliamentary committee meeting. Prior to this, he also drew controversy for statements related to contempt of court.
Following the Janajati Shakti (JNG) movement, there were rumors that the government led by Sushila Karki intended to appoint him as a minister, but previous controversies reportedly compelled Prime Minister Karki to withdraw.
Why are discipline issues repeatedly surfacing in Raswapa?
The ruling party Raswapa’s officials and MPs have frequently faced controversies regarding their conduct. Representatives and leaders of this party have been involved in various instances of financial irregularities, misuse of position, controversial statements, and legal challenges.
Party Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung have also often been seen embroiled in controversies.
In the previous House of Representatives, MP Dhakakumar Shrestha was removed from his parliamentary seat due to an audio-related controversy after party disciplinary action.
Spokesperson Kharel has acknowledged that occasional internal problems are natural in a large party.
“Because the party is large, some incidents will occur, but it is wrong and undesirable, and we recognize this,” he said.
“We are prioritizing training as a solution and actively undertaking it. Whomever takes on responsibilities—be it within the party, parliament, or government—must be accountable, and we are working on this,” he added. “However, some incidents suggest our efforts are still insufficient.”
General Secretary Acharya has also pledged that no one violating laws or codes of conduct will receive political protection.
“Based on conclusions from independent state investigations and the party’s internal inquiry, the party will take further action according to laws and regulations,” Acharya stated in Tuesday’s release.
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