Kaski police responds to the controversy over Rabi Lamichhane’s ‘Viral’ image
He was arrested on Oct 18 from the party’s central office in Baneshwor.
![Kaski police responds to the controversy over Rabi Lamichhane’s ‘Viral’ image](https://english.makalukhabar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ravi-mk.png)
KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been in police custody for the past 62 days.
He was arrested on Oct 18 from the party’s central office in Baneshwor.
Currently held in Kaski police custody, Lamichhane has been taken to Kaski, Kathmandu, Rupandehi, and Chitwan for statements.
He is under investigation for cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime.
Recently, an image allegedly showing Lamichhane in a detention cell has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion.
Image Controversy and Police Response
Following the circulation of the unclear image, which appears to show someone sleeping in a detention cell, the Kaski police issued a press statement expressing serious concern.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Basanta Kumar Sharma, Kaski Police’s spokesperson, stated:
“The unauthorized image disseminated via social media, allegedly from the cooperative fraud investigation, has negatively impacted the ongoing inquiry. The image, published on Dr. Nicholas Bhusal’s Facebook page, undermines police professionalism.”
The statement warned that legal action would be taken against anyone violating legal provisions by sharing unauthorized content.
RSP Claims Image is Authentic
RSP leaders insist the image is indeed of Rabi Lamichhane. Deepak Bohora, the party’s co-treasurer, shared the image on social media, alleging that Kaski police captured the screenshot from CCTV footage in the detention cell.
Outraged by the incident, Bohora questioned the police’s intent, stating:
“There is a limit to injustice. Who did the Kaski police share this screenshot with, and for what purpose? If justice still exists, someone will pay the price for this.”
Photographer Admits to Capturing Image
Dr. Nicholas Bhusal, a supporter of Rabi Lamichhane, admitted to capturing the image.
He explained that his intention was not malicious, saying:
“This photo is real. I took it myself. It was a mistake, and I apologize. I didn’t mean to harm anyone. I was there to check on his health and boost his morale.”
Bhusal had previously called for a citizen’s movement via social media but deleted the image after Bohora’s objections.
Home Minister Orders Investigation
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has directed police to investigate the incident and take immediate action against those responsible for leaking the image.