KATHMANDU: Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Minister Balaram Adhikari has denied any connection to a recently leaked audio clip accusing him of accepting a Rs 3.2 million bribe.

Speaking at a press conference organized to mark his ministry’s one-year achievements, Adhikari stated, “The language and voices in the audio are not related to us. Whether it contains my voice or not can be clearly judged.”

He further said, “This is a clear attempt at character assassination. Some individuals who were trying to get their personal interests fulfilled came to pressure me to transfer a land revenue officer. I said no — and then this audio was released.”

The minister insisted the audio has no connection to him or his ministry and challenged anyone to bring proof.

“Those trying to frame me are targeting my character because I refused to comply,” he added.

The controversy erupted just a day after Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta resigned following allegations of receiving a Rs 7.8 million bribe.

In the leaked 11-minute and 46-second audio, Balaram Adhikari is accused of accepting Rs 3.2 million in a red or green bag at his official residence.

The transaction was reportedly handled by his son, Manoj Adhikari, in exchange for registering 135 ropanis of land in Pokhara under a private individual’s name.

However, the authenticity of the audio recording has not yet been independently verified.