Police set to submit report, recommend filing 3 charges against Lamichhane

KATHMANDU: Kaski District Police has reached the final stage of its investigation into Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane.

The police have been holding him in custody for 55 days while conducting the investigation.

According to Kaski’s police chief, SP Shyam Babu Oli, the investigating officers are currently preparing the report. “The report is set to be submitted to the government attorney’s office within the next 12 days,” he said, adding that the investigation report will be submitted soon.

Lamichhane was arrested in Kathmandu on Oct 18. He faces charges related to money laundering, cooperative fraud, and involvement in organized crime.

A parliamentary investigation committee has also played a significant role in the case. The committee’s report concluded that funds from Surya Darshan were misappropriated through Gorkha Media Network.

On the basis of cooperative fraud, former DIG Chabilal Joshi was arrested on Sept 22. Following Joshi’s arrest, four others have also been taken into custody.

Lamichhane, Chabilal Joshi, Lila Pahichai from Gulmi, Ram Bahadur Khanal from Tanahun, and Krishna Gurung from Pokhara are all in police custody.

Additionally, at least 35 people are being considered for arrest as absconding defendants.

Lamichhane has stated that he has no knowledge of any loan taken under his name. “I have no information about a loan being taken under my name,” he said. According to the police, a total of Rs 65.54 million was misappropriated through Gorkha Media Network using several cooperatives, including Surya Darshan, Swarnalaxmi, Sahara, and Sano Paila.

Under legal provisions, the indictment must be filed within the deadline of Poush 5, counting from the day Joshi’s arrest. This high-profile case, which has garnered widespread public interest, is expected to reveal more details once the investigation results are made public.