Oct 01, Kathmandu - Nepali Congress leader Sunil Kumar Sharma has publicly stated that the rumor circulating about Mahabir Pun, founder of the National Innovation Center, spending one crore rupees NPR to send his daughter abroad for studies is "completely unfounded and malicious."

In a Post on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Sharma claimed that the accusation was made without any factual basis.

Sharma provided specifics on the daughter's enrollment to counter the circulating reports. He clarified that Pun's daughter was admitted to the Zahrul Islam Medical College in Bajitpur, which is affiliated with Dhaka University in Bangladesh, and dismissed the news of a one-crore expenditure as false.

"The monthly fees for MBBS is 621 USD i.e. 87,591 NPR (total expenditure 41,000 USD). According to the information I received, sir has not paid more than 50% yet. I'm sure he's been paying for this expenses with his hustle.", Sharma added.

Sharma further noted that when he personally offered financial assistance, Pun refused, saying, "I will manage it myself."

The Congress leader labeled the persistent rumors against the renowned social worker a "pre-planned conspiracy."

"Those who level baseless accusations against an honest and selfless social worker like Mahabir Pun are acting with ill-will. The truth is clear, and such rumors must fail," Sharma asserted.

Sharma concluded by citing an example of Pun's integrity and simplicity from their first meeting, recalling a time when Pun insisted on finding and returning change for a book purchase, despite being told to keep the money for the Innovation Center. Sharma urged the public to continue supporting Mahabir Pun and to speak only based on evidence and truth.