Cooperative fraud case: Court to decide pre-Trial custody for Rabi Lamichhane
The final phase of arguments from the defense is underway, and the court is expected to issue its decision today following rebuttal arguments.
KATHMANDU: President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, is edging closer to receiving a pre-trial order in the Surya Darshan Cooperative fraud case.
The final phase of arguments from the defense is underway, and the court is expected to issue its decision today following rebuttal arguments.
Kamala Kafle, Chief Public Prosecutor at the Kaski District Attorney’s Office, stated that the pre-trial order is likely by evening.
The hearing, presided over by Judge Nitiz Rai, began on December 31 and involves seven defendants, including Lamichhane.
The court reported that rebuttal arguments commenced after the defense lawyers concluded their statements. Besides Lamichhane, the case implicates former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Leela Pachaee, Krishna Bahadur Gurung, and Ram Bahadur Khanal in the misappropriation of cooperative funds.
Defense Concludes Key Arguments
On Tuesday, Lamichhane’s legal team completed their arguments, followed by defense statements for Ram Bahadur Khanal, Krishna Gurung, Mina Gurung, and Aarti Gurung on Wednesday. The plaintiff’s side is also presenting its arguments.
As the decision looms, the Kaski District Administration Office has tightened security in areas like Rashtriya Bank Chowk, Y Chowk, and Shaheed Chowk, restricting vehicle movement.
Once the hearing concludes, the court will decide whether to send the defendants to judicial custody, release them on bail, or grant them a general date to appear in court.
Potential Outcomes for Rabi Lamichhane
If the court orders judicial custody, Lamichhane will be sent to jail. Otherwise, he could remain free while the case proceeds.
The Kaski District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against Lamichhane and 43 others, seeking damages of Rs 1.51 billion.
Of this, Rs 278.9 million pertains to money laundering allegations against Lamichhane.
Additionally, the fraud charge against Lamichhane involves Rs 33.7 million in damages.
Co-defendant Chhavilal Joshi faces charges of cooperative fraud and money laundering amounting to Rs 743.47 million.
The decision on pre-trial detention will set the stage for further legal proceedings in this high-profile case.