KATHMANDU: The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has launched an internal investigation into controversial audio recordings involving its lawmaker Khagendra Sunar following allegations of misconduct.
RSP General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya said the party’s Central Disciplinary Commission had been directed to begin an immediate investigation to establish the facts surrounding the audio recordings made public through the media.
Sunar has also been instructed not to participate in any official programmes in his capacity as a public representative until the investigation is completed. The party said the measure was intended to prevent any interference with the inquiry and uphold the standards of public office.
The party said it had taken serious note of the audio recordings involving Sunar, an elected member of the House of Representatives, and the serious concerns they had raised.
The allegations reported in the media, including defamation, insults to women’s dignity, undue pressure, unwanted threats and suspicious financial transactions, were serious and sensitive matters, the party said.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law, good governance and public accountability, the RSP said it would not take allegations against any party member or public representative lightly. It also reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards abuse against women, violations of the dignity of public office and criminal offences.
The party said its Central Disciplinary Commission had been instructed to investigate the matter immediately. Sunar’s restriction from participating in official programmes will remain in effect until the inquiry is completed.
Given the seriousness of the allegations, the party also called for a prompt, independent, impartial and fact-based investigation by the relevant state agencies. It pledged full cooperation with the authorities throughout the investigation.
Reiterating its democratic principle that no one is above the law, the RSP said it would determine further action in accordance with the law and the party statute, based on the findings of both the state investigation and its internal inquiry.
The party assured the public that it would not provide political protection to anyone found to have violated the law or breached the standards of public conduct.