KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has denied involvement after a vehicle bearing license plate Karnali Province 02–001 Cha 0429 carrying alcohol, rice, cooking oil, and beer was seized in Salyan during the election period.

RSP’s Bangad Kupinde municipal chair, Lokendra Oli, said the vehicle owner clarified that the goods were being transported for personal use or to assist local traders, and not for party purposes. He rejected social media claims that RSP was distributing alcohol and rice, while confirming the vehicle had been used for party publicity. The party said it will cooperate with authorities in any investigation.

Police stopped the jeep at Sallibazar, Bangad Kupinde Municipality–1, at around 9:45 am on Monday. According to the District Police Office Salyan, the vehicle was carrying two sacks of rice, 210 bottles of alcohol, three cartons of cooking oil, and two cartons of beer.

The driver, Chandraprakash Budhathoki (24) of Siddhakumakh–4, and passenger Mohan BC (37) of Bangad Kupinde–1 were detained. Police said Budhathoki stated the goods belonged to BC and were being taken to Khairagar, Bangad Kupinde–5.