Kathmandu. Dhanphe Nepal TV has formally apologised to The British College, Thapathali, for publishing a series of false and misleading video reports about the institution.

The Owner/Editor of Dhanphe Nepal Media Pvt. Ltd., Dipesh Kumar Jaiswal, wrote to the College admitting that content was published without proper verification of facts. The company is registered with the Department of Information and Broadcasting and listed with the Press Council of Nepal.

In the letter, the media outlet acknowledged that several video clips concerning The British College were published without establishing the full facts or conducting basic fact-checking. It further stated that some of the content was produced under pressure and based on information provided by certain individuals and a few former students of TBC.

The media company accepted full responsibility for this mistake and wrongful act and issued an unconditional apology to the College’s management, faculty, students, parents and all stakeholders for the mental, social and institutional harm caused.

Previously, a former student, Bibek Dhakal, was publicly named in connection with allegations that he threatened the College and attempted to extort NPR 3 million. He is currently in police custody facing charges, with authorities alleging that media pressure was used for personal financial gain.

In its video statement, the media outlet also stated that Priyanka Nepal and Bibek Dhakal had supplied false information that was published without verification. Dhanphe Media admitted it had erred in accepting and publishing these claims as factual.

As a corrective measure, the media outlet has removed all content related to The British College from its digital platforms.

According to sources, Priyanka Nepal allegedly attempted to use certain individuals and media contacts to spread disinformation, create pressure on the College and demand large sums of money in exchange for stopping the smear campaign. She is also alleged to have influenced some students studying in Dubai to return to Nepal, promising to extract up to NPR 2 crore per student from the College. Previously leaked audio recordings involving Bibek Dhakal reportedly refer to a demand by her mother for NPR 5 million to halt agitation and social media attacks.

Reports further state that she was expelled by another college in Kathmandu and, following visa rejections to the USA and Australia, enrolled at TBC last year. Multiple social media videos show instances of personal harassment directed by her towards teachers, staff, administrators and fellow students.

The College has suspended Priyanka Nepal for harassment, character assassination of staff and students, and unauthorised filming of employees and students. She has reportedly refused to participate in multiple mediation efforts involving the police, family intermediaries and the Ministry of Education. The Cyber Crime Bureau of Nepal Police is currently investigating her social media activities.

source: the british college

The British College has also published detailed official statements on its website:
https://www.thebritishcollege.edu.np/blog/the-british-college-official-statement-addressing-recent-misinformation-and-clarifying-our-position