Audiotape in which RSP lawmaker Shrestha is heard demanding Rs 20 million from Prasai will be investigated: DPM Shrestha

Published On: April 10, 2023 04:45 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, April 10: Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha has said that an investigation will be conducted into the audiotape scam in which Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Dhaka Kumar Shrestha is heard demanding 20 million rupees from medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai.

DPM Shrestha said that he will proceed according to what is confirmed by the investigation.

In Chitwan today, Shrestha said, "There has been talk of 20 million rupees. We have not reached any conclusion from the official investigation process. After the investigation process proceeds, we will proceed according to what is confirmed by the investigation.

DPM Shrestha also said that the relevant parties and their leaders should clarify about the audio issue.

Audio of Dhaka Kumar Shrestha MP of RSP demanding 20 million rupees from medical practitioner Prasai was released on Sunday.

In that audio, accused Shrestha took Rabi's name and said that he is going to become the health minister and for that he has to pay Rs 20 million to the party. Soon after the audio was released, the RSP suspended Shrestha from the party and started an investigation.

MP Shrestha's secretariat has claimed that they did not give such a statement and that they were trying to dehumanize him by editing the audio.

The CIAA has also said that it will investigate the audio.

DPM Shrestha also responded to the allegations made by Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah while conversing with the journalists.

This morning, through social media, Mayor Shah accused Singh Durbar (government) of not supporting him in his campaign with a photo of him meeting with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Home Minister Shrestha.

Along with this photo, Mayor Balendra gave 14 reasons for not picking up the garbage of Singha Durbar

Talking to journalists in Chitwan, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha commented that they are committed to supporting the local government, but they should provide facts to justify the work they are about to do.

"I don't want to comment personally on the mayor of Kathmandu. But the point is that the federal government is committed to help fulfill the responsibilities given by the constitution in coordination with the provincial government and the local government,” he said, “But that means that the local government or the provincial government will only request the use of force. Not just by giving information.”