Rabi statement now in Kathmandu

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane was brought to Kathmandu on Thursday evening for investigation into allegations of cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering.

He was flown to the capital to provide statements regarding the embezzlement of funds linked to the Swarnalaxmi Savings Cooperative in Kalimati.

Lamichhane was transferred from Kaski to Kathmandu following an arrest warrant issued by Kathmandu Metropolitan Police on Nov 17.

The Kaski District Court had already extended his custody by 15 days for further investigation into cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. After completing his statements in Kathmandu, he will be returned to Kaski.

The investigation focuses on allegations of fund misappropriation at Pokhara’s Suryadarshan Cooperative, linked to Gorkha Media Network. Lamichhane was previously questioned by the Rupandehi District Attorney’s Office in connection with fund embezzlement at Butwal’s Supreme Cooperative.

Another arrest warrant has been issued against him for a similar case involving Sahara Chitwan Cooperative in Chitwan, although it remains undecided whether he will be transferred there.

Further inquiries revealed that funds from Birgunj’s Sano Paila Cooperative and Nepalgunj’s Samanata Cooperative were also funneled to Gorkha Media, prompting the Parliamentary Special Investigation Committee to recommend additional investigations.

Former DIG and ex-vice chair of Gorkha Media, Chhabilal Joshi, has already been detained and investigated in both Kathmandu and Rupandehi.

According to police, evidence collection is ongoing regarding Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in fraud, embezzlement, and organized crime tied to these cooperatives. Legal proceedings will advance only after the investigation concludes.