Bribery Scandal Widens as Former Minister Ranjeeta Shrestha Faces Investigation

Former Minister and Nagarik Unmukti Party Chairperson Ranjeeta Shrestha has been drawn into the bribery audio scandal involving outgoing Minister of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta. New evidence suggests that Shrestha also demanded money from the same individual who secretly recorded and handed over cash to Minister Gupta.

According to sources, Shrestha repeatedly contacted the man from Pokhara who recorded the bribery conversation and allegedly asked him for money. She is said to have used her personal security officer (PSO) to make the request and shared sensitive information, including updates about cabinet meetings.

Onlinekhabar has obtained messages sent from a phone number linked to Shrestha, where she reportedly wrote things like: “Ji, I’m at Pashupati worship. I need some cash. Should I send the driver to collect it?”

A high-level source at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) confirmed that Shrestha, Minister Gupta, and the Pokhara resident were in regular contact. Shrestha is also accused of requesting items for Gupta—one message allegedly said, “Please send one bottle of coconut oil, the minister needs it.” Other messages referenced ongoing cabinet meetings and direct communication with Gupta.

One message from someone identifying as the minister’s PSO even asked, “When will the money matter be discussed?”

CIAA sources say these exchanges weren’t limited to money. They also involved attempts to influence the transfer of government officials—particularly regarding a land registration case in Batule Chaur, Pokhara. Reportedly, Shrestha wanted Deputy Secretary Ram Chandra Adhikari to remain stationed in Kaski to help with the land matter, but after a government reshuffle, she lost her position.

Despite being out of office, she continued trying to bring Adhikari back to Pokhara with Gupta’s help. Sources claim Adhikari had such a close relationship with Shrestha that he could manage staff transfers in other districts too.

The individual from Pokhara who recorded Gupta’s bribery audio was reportedly coordinating with locals to help register the land, gaining the trust of both Adhikari and Shrestha. During this process, messages show that Shrestha directly asked for money and shared confidential updates.

When asked by Onlinekhabar, Ranjeeta Shrestha denied the allegations. “I don’t know that person and have never contacted them. There’s no question of asking money from someone I’ve never met,” she said. Shrestha acknowledged occasional conversations with Minister Gupta regarding staff postings in her constituency but denied involvement in the Pokhara land case or any request for money.

The CIAA has officially begun questioning Shrestha. According to sources, her statement recording started at 10 a.m. The commission says she is now a third key figure in the expanding investigation into the bribery scandal.