KATHMANDU: The Nepal government has launched parallel investigations into two major controversies: the alleged disappearance of individuals during an official Spain visits and the leaked audio implicating former Minister Rajkumar Gupta in a bribery case.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung confirmed that the government is investigating reports that several individuals who accompanied the Prime Minister to Spain—outside the official delegation list—did not return.

He clarified that the Prime Minister’s travel followed strict protocols, which limit such delegations to 21 members, and dismissed claims that the PM had “left people behind” as entirely baseless.

“The issue of individuals not returning after joining the trip through unofficial channels is being looked into seriously,” Gurung said, adding that misleading accusations in Parliament had already been corrected by concerned lawmakers.

Simultaneously, Gurung addressed the leaked audio recording allegedly involving former Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta in a bribery deal.

He stressed that Gupta’s resignation was a response to public concern, and that if legal wrongdoing is proven, action will be taken.

“No one is above the law. If the investigation confirms the audio is genuine and shows corruption, he will face consequences,” Gurung said.