KATHMANDU: An audio recording between Kathmandu District Court Judge Raj Kumar Koirala and Advocate Rudra Pokhrel, making a deal of Rs 20 million to release businessman Ichchha Raj Tamang on bail has been leaked.

Acting Chief Justice Deepak Kumar Karki has convened a meeting of the Judicial Council today to discuss the issue at 1:30 pm.

A telephone conversation between District Judge Koirala and Advocate Pokharel was broadcast on News 24’s live talk show “Sidha Kura Janata Sanga” on Tuesday evening.

In the audio, which lasted for about 10 minutes, advocate Pokharel is heard asking justice Koirala to release Tamang on bail, saying such an opportunity would not come again.

Judge Koirala, fearing that he would lose his job, agrees with Pokhrel’s assurance that his order will be upheld in the high court.

Tamang, who was arrested on the charge of defrauding the public of Rs 8 billion, was remanded in custody by the Kathmandu District Court.