Kathmandu. The controversial audio scandal involving Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) House of Representatives member (MP) Khagendra Sunar has created a major stir in Nepali politics and media circles. Controversy escalated after an audio clip surfaced allegedly containing severe verbal abuse, death threats, financial transactions, and exploitation under the pretext of a marriage promise between MP Sunar, elected from Banke Constituency No. 3, and a former provincial state minister (female).

Investigative newspaper 'Jan Aastha' and its chairman, senior journalist Kishor Shrestha, have been continuously publishing this issue with priority. Recently, after MP Sunar issued a clarification on social media, journalist Shrestha strongly counterattacked.

Background of Past Legal Disputes and Investigations

According to preliminary studies and police records, MP Khagendra Sunar is an individual who has previously come under the scope of various legal disputes and state agency investigations:

  • 2023: Investigation into offenses against health, security, and morality.

  • 2024: Investigation into charges of criminal trespass and public nuisance.

  • 2025: Case registered under the Electronic Transactions Act with an arrest warrant issued.

  • National Investigation Department: Investigation regarding marriage with a former assistant informant and related issues.

Current Steps by Party and Police:

After the audio scandal became public, RSP's Central Discipline Commission initiated an internal inquiry, banning Sunar from attending public programs and making statements. On the other hand, Central Police Headquarters is testing the authenticity of the audio. According to Police Spokesperson DIG Abi Narayan Kafle, although police are conducting a preliminary study, legal complexities remain in advancing formal criminal investigation or arrest procedures because no formal written or online complaint/first information report (FIR) has been lodged by the victimized woman.

Statement of Honorable MP Khagendra Sunar (Full Statement)

Refuting the allegations against him and demanding an impartial investigation, MP Sunar posted the following full statement on Facebook:

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"The question raised is a question directed at me. In this matter, party members, well-wishers, and voters do not need to bow their heads. Let a ruthless investigation be conducted against me. If necessary, let me be suspended or dismissed from the positions of House of Representatives member and party central committee member. In the event that I or any act committed by me turns out to be misdeed, the party and government do not need to perish with me. I am ready to assist in any investigation conducted by the party, government, and all state agencies. What is the sin or crime alleged to have been committed by me? If proven, I am ready to face whatever punishment. However, the media trial, exaggerated propaganda, unnecessary photos, audio, and video additions, and comments made against an innocent woman working in the political and social sphere are by no means acceptable. The allegation claims that I troubled her. How relevant is it to chase a woman based on a fictional understanding that someone troubled her at some point in life yesterday? If I engaged in any wrongdoing, why did responsible state bodies chase a matter that could have been handled by police or court investigating and punishing me while keeping her identity confidential? Despite the person concerned repeatedly telling the media publishing the news not to write such false news and that it was wrong, why were they chased? CIB and Police Headquarters repeatedly called to meet and asked to file a case, but her response was that if injustice had occurred, she would file a case herself as she is conscious of her life; a few days after she was threatened with a phone hang-up stating 'we will finish both of you in one stroke', all these events unfolded. Anyway, no problem. Me asking questions or raising issues does not mean questions cannot be raised against me. Questions have been raised. News has arrived. Therefore, as a responsible citizen, let every allegation against me be investigated for truth. However, the mistreatment inflicted upon that woman by police, state, society, and media is objectionable. Whatever action is taken, let it be against me—I accept it. The attack on her is unacceptable. That is wrong."

Counterattack by Senior Journalist Kishor Shrestha (Full Statement)

Jan Aastha Chairman and senior journalist Kishor Shrestha released the following full statement commenting on MP Sunar's clarification:

"He is someone who usually reacts immediately, but regarding the audio tape scandal we raised the day before yesterday, without answering direct questions asked that same afternoon, 18 hours later yesterday, Khagendra ji stood in a field in Dang, recorded a video, and outright claimed it was AI-generated. Today, writing a 288-word Facebook status without even pronouncing the word AI anywhere, he completely abandoned that claim. Yesterday he said 'let action be taken against us', and today he started saying 'I am ready to face action myself'. He claims the media conducted a trial on the woman when we had not even disclosed the victim's identity; instead, she went to media contact herself. If you can prove the allegation that Jan Aastha published fake content as claimed by yourself yesterday, you can go to Press Council, police, court, or anywhere to file a complaint. If you fail to prove the allegation, the state must bring you under legal action without discrimination on charges of making false accusations against a responsible media house and violent expressions against a woman and child. Through another news report today titled 'Honorable MP, why did you laugh while calling the mother a Damini and the son a Khate!', we told the government—we will provide all evidence, let an impartial probe be conducted. In the name of saving a Dalit public representative, the government cannot promote physical and mental violence against another Dalit woman and child. The country and the world are watching the words and behavior of both new and old."

Rumors and Speculations Spread in the Market

Various discussions and rumors are prevalent in social media and political circles regarding this incident:

  • Claims of Fleeing or Hiding: Some claim Khagendra Sunar has fled to India, while others circulate talk that he is hiding under Balen Shah's protection and that the Prime Minister himself is saving him.

  • Allegations of Political and Administrative Protection: Speculations are also ongoing that RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, the Home Minister, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives are protecting him by not granting permission for arrest.

  • AI Technology Dispute: Another group holds the view that the audio and video are not real, but a conspiracy created using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

  • Pressure on the Victim: Claims have also surfaced that the alleged victimized woman has been threatened in such a way that she lacks the courage to approach police or court to file a formal complaint.

Demand for Fact Verification and Impartial Investigation

Regardless of the claims and counterclaims made in this case, it is clear that one side or another is at fault. If the conversation is real, the honorable MP making criminal threats and the powers trying to protect him are guilty; if artificial audio/video was created using technology, the party conducting a media trial and conspiracy is guilty. Therefore, it is essential for responsible state bodies to conduct an impartial investigation without pressure or influence to bring the facts to light.