Former DIG Chhabilal Joshi claims he fell into “Bad Company” amid cooperative fraud investigation
During his initial statement on Monday, Joshi claimed that he was influenced by poor associations.
KATHMANDU: Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Nepal Police, Chhabilal Joshi, who was arrested on charges of cooperative fraud, has stated that he fell into “bad company.”
During his initial statement on Monday, Joshi claimed that he was influenced by poor associations.
In court, Joshi argued that once he realized the company he was keeping was harmful, he legally withdrew his investments from Gorkha Media Network.
“In 2078 B.S., I transferred 15% of my 35% share to Rabi Lamichhane,” he said in his statement. “Others are responsible for the cooperative fraud, and I am willing to assist in the investigation.”
Joshi further stated that Rabi Lamichhane and GB Rai were primarily responsible for bringing and misusing cooperative funds in Gorkha Media Network. “I was not involved in the embezzlement of cooperative funds. Rabi and GB are the ones accountable,” Joshi claimed. “After Rabi joined Gorkha Media, he and GB handled everything, including signing cheques. We had no knowledge of these activities.”
Kaski Police have begun investigating Joshi on charges of fraud and organized crime.
Though he was arrested from Shankhamul in Kathmandu, Joshi was transported to Pokhara on Sunday, and a five-day custody order was obtained from the district court on Monday.
Joshi gave his initial statement on Monday, and further questioning is set to continue today.
The parliamentary committee has noted that this case could involve charges of fraud, forgery, organized crime, and money laundering.
