'Pathibhara Mata' Case: Complaint Filed in Press Council, What Happened Next?

Kathmandu. In accordance with the directive of Press Council Nepal, this news material has been published incorporating the views of all parties, including the investigative news report broadcasted on 'NepalAaja.com' regarding the 'Pathibhara Mata' case, the complaint filed on the matter, the organization's rebuttal letter, Press Council's letter, and NepalAaja's response letter. Based on serious allegations by the victimized party claiming that lakhs of rupees and goods were extorted from Nepalis in South Korea on the basis of religious faith, as well as initial evidence and verbal details received, NepalAaja.com had broadcasted a news report titled "Fraud in the name of 'Pathibhara Mata': Accused of extorting lakhs from Nepalis in Korea". The victims had made their evidence-backed grievances public through media, stating that no investigation was conducted and justice was not delivered despite visiting various agencies.

Following the publication of the said news, Saroj Gamal, Central Treasurer of 'Maa Jagadamba Aadishakti Pathibhara Sanstha' registered in Tarakeshwar-01, Kathmandu, filed a complaint letter at Press Council Nepal. In the complaint and rebuttal letter submitted on behalf of the institution, it was claimed that the institution's character was assassinated unilaterally using words like 'fraud', 'loot', and 'extortion' without verification from a court or official body. Mentioning that there are no legal receipts or bank vouchers for the alleged incident from years ago, the institution urged that if there are real claims, they should present them with bills and invoices, while stating in the letter that the institution does not support any illegal acts and is ready to fully cooperate in an impartial investigation.

Regarding the said complaint, after receiving the letter sent by Press Council Nepal dated 2083/04/22 (Letter No. 083/84, Dispatch No. 87), the Editor of NepalAaja.com submitted a written response to the Council on 2083/04/25. In NepalAaja's response letter, it was clarified that the news was broadcasted in the public interest, for citizens' right to be informed, and in full good faith. The letter states that the news was prepared within the perimeter of freedom of thought, expression, and communication guaranteed by Article 17(2)(a) and Article 19 of the Constitution of Nepal, while maintaining source confidentiality for the safety of victims and informants. Furthermore, it was clarified that the institution's name was not mentioned in the news, the main accused person and the institution are separate legal entities, and since the words used are standard terms in the Nepali dictionary, only the details of allegations were presented without legally proving anyone guilty. As soon as the rebuttal letter was received through the Council, it was published respecting journalistic ethics and the 'right to rebuttal'.

Meanwhile, the main accused in this news and president of the organization, Anil Bomjan, has not come into contact to give his reaction or clarification since the news was published until now. NepalAaja.com is fully committed to professional, impartial, and balanced journalism. If President Anil Bomjan or his side wishes to provide any clarification or official stance regarding the incident, NepalAaja.com will always be ready to publish his statement impartially and with priority. NepalAaja.com will continuously monitor and follow up morally on this serious issue of truth, legal process, and public interest in the coming days as well.

With the objective of maintaining the highest transparency, exact copies of all official letters related to this matter are presented below:

Institution's complaint letter: