Ex-minister Baskota files defamation case against agent Mishra

KATHMANDU, Feb 28: Former Minister for Communication and Information Technology Gokul Baskota has filed a libel and defamation case against Bijaya Kumar Mishra at the Kathmandu District Court on Friday.

Baskota stepped down on moral ground on Feb 20 after he was dragged into controversy following the leak of an audio conversation between him and Mishra, a Swiss company agent, where the ex-minister is heard negotiation for Rs 700 million bribe in return for awarding Mishra the contract of procurement of security printing press worth Rs 26 billion.

Mishra had reportedly leaked the audiotape after failing to secure the contract.

Baskota, in his complaint, has claimed that the accusation put against him is false.

Information officer at the court, Gyan Bahadur Karki confirmed the filing of the case by Banskota.