Kathmandu [Nepal], July 19 – Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentary leader Gyan Bahadur Shahi has denied reports that he was physically attacked during a visit to Japan, accusing supporters of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) of spreading false information about his safety.
In a video posted on Facebook, Shahi said he was safe in Japan and dismissed social media claims that he had been assaulted. He alleged that the rumours were circulated after he questioned Home Minister Sudan Gurung in Parliament over the handling of recent incidents in Nepal.
Shahi also launched a series of sharp verbal attacks against RSP Chair Ravi Lamichhane, Prime Minister Balen Shah and Home Minister Gurung making several allegations and using inflammatory language against the three leaders.
According to Shahi, he had raised concerns in parliament over the police response to the death of a man stranded on a cliff in Karnali and the treatment of Ganesh BK a burn victim from Mugu who attempted self-immolation. He claimed his parliamentary questions prompted coordinated online attacks and misinformation targeting him.
The opposition lawmaker challenged RSP leaders to respond to his questions in parliament instead of he alleged allowing supporters to spread false narratives on social media. He also warned that individuals spreading misinformation about him in Japan could face legal consequences.
Shahi further claimed that RSP supporters had attempted to discourage his visit to Japan but said he successfully addressed a public gathering there. Reaffirming that he was unharmed he urged media outlets and social media users not to publish or circulate unverified reports about an alleged attack saying the claims were entirely baseless.
