Detention hearing for Rabi Lamichhane ends, order pending

KATHMANDU: The remand hearing for Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who has been detained in connection with a cooperative fraud case, has concluded.

The hearing was held regarding allegations of fraud committed by the Surya Darshan Cooperative in Pokhara, with Lamichhane’s hearing lasting two days.

The remand hearing for Lamichhane and six other defendants has been underway at the Kaski District Court since Tuesday.

Legal arguments from the defense began on Friday, and Lamichhane’s defense took two days to present.

Court Registrar Rajan Khanal confirmed that the hearing for Lamichhane’s defense has concluded, with four more defense attorneys still to present their arguments.

Previously, lawyers for defendants Leela Pakhain and Chhabilal Joshi had also completed their arguments. Once the defense arguments conclude, the prosecution will begin its rebuttal.

After the remand hearing, the court will decide whether the defendants will remain in custody for further investigation or be released for continued investigation.

On Dec 22, the District Government Attorney’s Office filed charges against Lamichhane and 44 others for the misappropriation of funds from the cooperative.

In addition to the fraud charges, Lamichhane is also facing charges related to organized crime and money laundering.

So far, the District Government Attorney’s Office has filed charges against 63 individuals in connection with the Surya Darshan Cooperative fraud case.

Among the 19 individuals facing charges for organized crime are Lamichhane, Khanal, Joshi, and Pachaai.

Additionally, charges related to money laundering have been filed against Lamichhane, Khanal, Joshi, and Pachaai.

Lamichhane was arrested on Oct 18 in Kathmandu on charges of misappropriating cooperative savings.

Other individuals involved in the fraud have also been charged with appropriate penalties and fines.