KATHMANDU: Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Minister Balram Adhikari has alleged that an audio clip accusing him of accepting a Rs 3.2 million bribe was released as retaliation for his refusal to transfer a land revenue officer in Kaski.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday organised to present his ministry’s one-year performance, Adhikari denied any connection to the 11-minute and 46-second audio recording that was made public on Wednesday. He asserted that the voices and language in the clip are unrelated to him or his ministry.
“This is clearly an attempt at character assassination,” he said. “Some individuals had come to the ministry demanding the transfer of a land revenue officer from Kaski. When I refused, this audio clip was released to tarnish my image.”
Adhikari insisted that the audio does not contain his voice and called for clarity from the recording itself. He also confirmed that people had approached the ministry regarding the transfer, but maintained that the decision not to act on their request led to the current controversy.
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