Kathmandu, October 13
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has ordered an internal investigation into allegations reported by the media against its lawmaker Khagendra Sunar and barred him from attending formal public events until the inquiry is completed.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, party General Secretary Bipin Acharya said the party’s Central Disciplinary Commission had been instructed to immediately begin an investigation into the allegations.
The party said it had taken note of media reports, publicly released audio recordings and serious questions raised about Sunar’s conduct.
According to the statement, the allegations include behaviour that could undermine women’s dignity and respect, inappropriate pressure, unwanted threats and suspicious financial transactions.
The RSP said it could not treat such allegations against its members or elected representatives lightly, given its stated commitment to the rule of law, good governance and public accountability.
The party also said it maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards the mistreatment of women, violations of the standards expected of public officeholders and criminal offences.
To prevent the investigation from being affected and to uphold ethical standards in public office, Sunar has been instructed not to participate in any formal public events until the inquiry reaches a conclusion, the statement said.
The party also said it would cooperate with state agencies investigating the allegations.
The move follows a report published by Janastha on Monday that included an audio recording allegedly featuring Sunar using abusive language and threatening a woman. Reports have also raised allegations of blackmailing.
The allegations have not been established through the party’s internal investigation.
