KATHMANDU: Bhatbhateni Supermarket Chair Min Bahadur Gurung has denied any involvement in the illegal electronic cigarettes (vape) seized in Sindhupalchowk on Wednesday night.
The seizure, labeled as illegal vape, has sparked controversy after lawmakers Ganga Karki and Manish Jha claimed in a House of Representatives meeting on Thursday that the cargo belonged to Bhatbhateni and Min Bahadur Gurung.
Refuting the allegations, Gurung expressed disappointment over the remarks made by the public representatives. He criticized the lawmakers for making unsubstantiated claims and urged the public not to believe misleading information aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Bhatbhateni.
“Our serious attention has been drawn to the statements made by Ganga Karki and Manish Jha in the House of Representatives. We believe that the views expressed in the representative body of the sovereign people should be based on facts,” Gurung said.
He clarified that the vapes seized from the truck had no connection to Bhatbhateni, asserting that any misconduct committed by the driver or co-driver should not be attributed to the company, especially when the goods had been sealed and cleared through the Tatopani Customs.
Gurung further stated that the detained driver, who was caught with illegal substances concealed under his seat, should be investigated impartially by state agencies. He expressed regret that Bhatbhateni had been unfairly associated with the incident.
“Bhatbhateni is a leading corporate organization committed to the prosperity and development of the nation. It is disheartening that false allegations are being made to undermine the reputation of a business that contributes significantly to the country’s economy and welfare,” Gurung said.
He said the organization has always operated within the legal framework and urged journalists to avoid prioritizing baseless rumors that could harm Bhatbhateni’s image. Gurung also appealed to the public not to fall for fabricated narratives targeting the company.
Gurung has urged the authorities to conduct an unbiased investigation and reveal the truth behind the incident while holding the responsible individuals accountable.
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