RSP Investigates Sunar Audio Controversy; Publisher Rebuts AI Claim

Dragon Media Correspondent

The Rastriya Swatantra Party has launched an internal investigation into lawmaker and central committee member Khagendra Sunar after an audio recording linked to allegations of violence against women, threats and suspicious financial transactions was made public. The party has directed him not to perform formal duties in his capacity as a lawmaker or central committee member until the inquiry is completed.

Sunar has claimed that the audio was created using artificial intelligence and that the voice in it is not his. He alleged that he was being targeted because he had raised questions about corruption and irregularities within the police organisation. He has also said he is willing to cooperate with any inquiry by his party, Parliament or the government.

RSP leaders said the allegations were serious and sensitive, and that the party’s Disciplinary Commission was investigating them. The party said Sunar could face action, including removal from his parliamentary and central committee positions, if the allegations are proven. It has also said it will cooperate if state agencies investigate the matter.

Police say they cannot formally proceed under the law until a complaint is filed. The police spokesperson said authorities were making inquiries through various channels into the issues raised publicly. Police say that if a complaint is filed, they will examine the audio’s authenticity and take any necessary legal steps.

Meanwhile, Jana Aastha editor Kishor Shrestha, whose outlet published the audio, has rebutted Sunar’s claim that it was generated using artificial intelligence. In a social media post, Shrestha claimed that a TechPana fact-check had verified the audio and said the outlet had further evidence. He said the central question was whether the voice in the recording was genuine or fabricated. Shrestha also claimed that the woman described as the victim had not challenged the audio’s authenticity.

Although claims from both sides about the recording’s authenticity and the identity of the voice have been made public, no independent body has issued a confirmed finding. Alongside the party’s internal inquiry, the legal process, technical examination of the evidence and the safety of both the accused and the woman described as the victim should be addressed impartially. Allegations cannot be treated as proof of guilt; equally, a serious allegation cannot be dealt with solely through an internal party inquiry.