Kathmandu, Oct. 14 -- The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has launched an internal investigation into allegations of abuse, threats and suspicious financial dealings involving its lawmaker and central committee member Khagendra Sunar after audio recordings became public. The party has directed him not to perform duties in either capacity while its disciplinary commission investigates.

The party's response contrasts with that of state investigation and law enforcement agencies, which have yet to begin a formal criminal investigation. Police say they are awaiting a complaint from the alleged victim, although they are making preliminary inquiries into material circulating in the media.

The controversy intensified after Jana Aastha weekly p...