The Rastriya Swatantra Party has suspended party lawmaker Dhaka Kumar Shrestha after a leaked audio recording revealed Shrestha asking for a bribe.

In the leaked audio, Shrestha is heard to be asking for Rs20 million from businessman Durga Prasai so that Shrestha can become health minister and “bring about radical reforms in the health sector”.

Prasai is the owner of Birtamode-based B & C Medical College and Teaching Hospital.

Shrestha in the audio states that the Rastriya Swatantra Party leaders had demanded Rs25 million in order to give him the office of the Ministry of Health and Population. Shrestha and Prasai had engaged in a phone conversation to discuss the same on January 15, a recording of which was leaked on Sunday.

According to RSP Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar, the party has suspended Shrestha from his party membership and his position as a lawmaker until the issue is properly investigated and taken to a logical conclusion.

“The party has decided to launch an investigation into the matter. Actions will be taken as per the findings of the investigation,” Kabindra Burlakoti, joint general secretary of Rastriya Swatantra Party told the Post.

“For now, Shrestha has been suspended as a lawmaker and party member, and has been barred from carrying out any official works.”

An official statement on the matter will be issued by RSP General Secretary Muluk Dhakal, Pariyar added.

In the leaked audio, Shrestha can be heard asking the former CPN-UML central committee member Rs20 million, while further adding that party chair Lamichhane was ready to make Shrestha Minister if he can arrange Rs10 million immediately.