KATHMANDU: Former Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as a “media trial” linking his name to an investigation in which he has no involvement.
Sharma’s remarks came after reports circulating on online news portals and social media connected him to developments surrounding the arrest of CPN-UML Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel during an investigation into alleged property-related issues.
The former minister said he has consistently supported the scrutiny of assets and wealth accumulated by public officials and political leaders, but objected to attempts to associate him with unrelated matters.
“I have raised the issue of property investigation both in Parliament and within my party, and I remain committed to that position,” Sharma said in a statement. “However, I am saddened by efforts to create confusion and conduct a media trial by linking my name to a matter that has no connection with me.”
Sharma stressed that he has long advocated for investigations into the assets of political leaders and senior officials and has never opposed such scrutiny.
Following Paudel’s arrest on Monday, several online platforms reported that Sharma could also face arrest, prompting the former finance minister to publicly reject the claims.
He indicated that while he supports lawful investigations and accountability, attempts to damage his reputation through unverified reports and speculation were unacceptable.
Sharma reiterated that transparency and asset verification should apply to all public figures but urged media outlets and social media users to avoid spreading misleading information.
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