Kathmandu: Saloni Bista, a contestant in the beauty pageant Miss VIBHAA, has accused the event organizer of serious verbal sexual harassment. She made the allegations public through a video posted on TikTok, claiming that she received inappropriate proposals from the organizer.
Bista alleged that Uddhav Adhikari, founder of Umanga Creation—the organization behind Miss VIBHAA—called her for a meeting and made unjustified and inappropriate remarks.
According to her, after submitting her application for the competition, she was instructed by the organizers to send a swimsuit video, full-body and face-focused photographs, as well as an introduction video. She stated that she went to The Soaltee Hotel for a swimsuit shoot. During the process, she claims she was told that her “body shape was not properly visible” and was indirectly pressured to reveal more, even while she was already wearing a bikini.
Bista further alleged that the organizer pressured her for private meetings and proposed a trip to Nagarkot. She said that during a later meeting at the office, she was told she needed to be “confident,” “comfortable being naked,” and willing to “share rooms after winning the crown when traveling abroad.” She also claimed that there were implications that participants might need to “keep visiting guests happy.”
She stated that the experience has left her mentally distressed. “My dream is completely spoiled. I am depressed. I need help,” she said in her video, appealing for public support.
In a subsequent video, Bista mentioned that several other young women had privately messaged her, sharing similar experiences. However, she expressed disappointment that others have not come forward publicly.
Attempts to contact the organizer for comment were unsuccessful. No official response has been issued through social media or other channels so far.
Previously, Jessica Singh Thakuri, winner of Miss Grand Nepal and Miss VIBHAA 2025, had also publicly renounced her crown, alleging mental harassment and mistreatment by the organizers.
The issue has now sparked widespread debate on social media, raising serious questions about transparency in beauty pageants, participant safety, and the accountability of event organizers.
