Editor of Aadarshasanchar.com, Khemraj Gautam received threats over news reporting on June 13. The news portal is operated from Baglung, Gandaki Province.
Editor Gautam shared with Freedom Forum that Aadarshasanchar.com published a news report on June 12, 2026 alleging irregularities in Kathekhola Rural Municipality. The report claimed that municipality Chairperson Raju Thapa was involved in irregular practices in the municipality's development works.
Following the news publication, Chairperson Thapa called Gautam and spoke abusive against him. He also sent threatening messages to Gautam's mobile phone. Thapa also posted a Facebook post criticizing journalists on the same day.
Gautam then, informed Federation of Nepali Journalists Baglung and the online portal's chief editor about the incident.
"The Chairperson's remarks has affected me personally and professionally", Gautam added.
On June 16, FNJ Baglung Chapter facilitated discussion between journalist and municipality Chairperson. During meeting, Chairperson Thapa admitted his mistake and apologized for his behavior. He also committed not to repeat such action in the future.
Freedom Forum is concerned over the threat issued against a journalist. FF reminds the concerned authority that the concerned should approach Press Council Nepal for any dissatisfaction over published news instead of threatening journalists.
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