Bribery-accused Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Gupta, has resigned

Kathmandu — Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Raj Kumar Gupta, accused of taking a bribe, has resigned.

He informed the public of his resignation today, Tuesday, via social media.

An audio clip had surfaced alleging that Minister  Gupta took ₨ 7.8 million in bribes to appoint the chief of the Kaski Land Revenue Office and the chair of the district’s Land Commission. Following the leak, he faced widespread criticism and calls for his resignation.

“For the past few days everyone has seen my name relentlessly linked to a ‘bribe deal.’ Sometimes, it seems, even poison you never swallowed can still kill you. I have now fallen victim to just that.

To help the investigation bring out the truth, I have tendered my resignation from the post of Minister for General Administration to the Right Honorable Prime Minister.

I hope no one else becomes a victim of the misuse of advanced technology. I extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me in various ways until today.

With a renewed sense of responsibility toward the country and the people, I vow to fulfil, with honesty and integrity, whatever duties the party assigns me, and to return to the people’s doorsteps once again.”