Nepal, April 6 -- Madhesh Province Finance Minister Mahesh Prasad Yadav has drawn criticism after warning media outlets of possible action for publishing reports alleging irregularities and commission dealings within the provincial finance ministry.

Speaking at a press conference in Janakpur on Monday, Yadav cautioned journalists and media houses against continuing to publish what he described as "unverified and baseless" reports about alleged corruption in the ministry.

"If this continues, control it yourselves. Otherwise, the Finance Ministry and the Madhesh Province government may be forced to take action," Yadav told reporters.

Rather than challenging the reports through legal channels, the minister said the provincial government ...