25/05/2026
Preparations are reportedly underway to arrest Janastha editor Kishor Shrestha after he allegedly went absconding with his phone switched off, prompting an intensive police search.
A new controversy has emerged in Nepal’s political and media circles after claims surfaced that journalists were offered cash and expensive liquor in exchange for publishing misleading news targeting former Home Minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Sudan Gurung.
The issue gained further attention after a video allegedly linked to Janastha editor Kishor Shrestha was made public. In the video, it is claimed that Sudan Gurung was considered a “threat” to China and that pressure was exerted to publish negative reports aimed at damaging his reputation. It was also alleged that a large sum of money and costly liquor were offered in return.
According to the publicly circulated video, Shrestha claimed he had been in contact with a Chinese phone number. He stated that a person identifying himself as “Ying” had called from Beijing and requested negative news coverage against Sudan Gurung. Shrestha further alleged that an offer of 1 million Nepali rupees in cash had been made for the reports.
Shrestha claimed that he had not personally demanded any money on behalf of Janastha, but that the concerned group had approached him on their own. He also alleged that the individuals themselves delivered liquor and cash to his doorstep.
Following the incident, debates have intensified on social media and in political circles regarding foreign influence, pressure on media organizations, and political character assassination. Questions are now being raised from multiple angles about the authenticity of the incident and the motives behind it.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Nepal issued an official response, stating that it was “deeply shocked” by the allegations. The embassy rejected the rumors circulating on social media and claimed that false propaganda was being deliberately spread against China.
The embassy also stated that China has always adhered to a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. It urged the Nepal government to conduct a serious, impartial, and detailed investigation into the matter and to take legal action against those found guilty.
The Chinese Embassy further reiterated its commitment to strengthening traditional Nepal-China friendship, political stability, and development cooperation.
Although the authenticity of the incident has yet to be verified, the public release of the video and the subsequent diplomatic response have pushed the matter to the center of national debate.