Former DIG Joshi completes hearing; Rabi Lamichhane awaits turn in court
A hearing was completed for Chhabi Lal Joshi, former vice-chair of Gorkha Media and ex-DIG, while another accused, Lila Pachhai, began recording their statement.
KATHMANDU: The court proceedings in the embezzlement case involving Surya Darshan Savings and Credit Cooperative intensified on Tuesday.
A hearing was completed for Chhabi Lal Joshi, former vice-chair of Gorkha Media and ex-DIG, while another accused, Lila Pachhai, began recording their statement.
Though Rabi Lamichhane, another key suspect, appeared in court, his turn did not come, compelling him to return to custody. Lamichhane’s statement is expected to follow shortly.
On Sunday, the Kaski District Attorney’s Office filed charges against Lamichhane, Joshi, and 44 others for their alleged involvement in the cooperative fraud case.
Of the accused, five were charged solely to seize their assets in connection with the case. Lamichhane faces three allegations: organized crime, cooperative fraud, and money laundering.
According to police investigations, a group led by Lamichhane and GB Rai allegedly embezzled Rs 1.51 billion from Surya Darshan Cooperative, with Rs 54.8 million reportedly funneled into Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd. Lamichhane was arrested on Oct 18 in Kathmandu.
Following the completion of the hearing, the court is set to decide whether to release Lamichhane and others on bail, keep them under general date attendance, or send them to judicial custody for further proceedings.
This high-profile case has drawn significant public attention to issues of cooperative fraud and organized crime in Nepal.
