Surya Darshan Cooperative fraud case: Defendants’ pleading concludes
Notable lawyers Ram Bahadur Khanal, Bishnu Marasini, and Ujjwal Shankar Sapkota represented the defendants during the hearing.
KATHMANDU: The defense argument in the Surya Darshan Cooperative fraud case, involving Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane, has concluded at the Kaski District Court.
The legal debate from the defense team was finalized today, marking a significant step in the ongoing judicial proceedings.
Notable lawyers Ram Bahadur Khanal, Bishnu Marasini, and Ujjwal Shankar Sapkota represented the defendants during the hearing.
The session comes as part of the detention hearing process, which began on Dec 31.
Presiding Judge Nitiz Rai will decide whether the defendants, including Lamichhane, will remain in custody during the investigation or be released on bail.
Following the defense’s arguments, the plaintiff’s side is expected to begin its presentation later today.
The case has drawn significant attention, with allegations of embezzlement and organized crime against Lamichhane and others linked to the cooperative.
The District Government Attorney’s Office has filed charges against 44 individuals, including Lamichhane, accusing them of embezzlement, organized crime, and money laundering in connection to the cooperative’s operations.
A total of 63 individuals are implicated in the case, with the court hearings ongoing.
The Surya Darshan Cooperative case is one of the most high-profile fraud cases in recent times, with accusations of financial mismanagement and corruption affecting numerous stakeholders.
As the court deliberates, the outcome of the detention hearing will determine the next steps in the investigation.
