Detention hearing continues today in Rabi Lamichhane case: What’s next?
Lamichhane first appeared in court last Wednesday and was released on a bail bond under the condition of appearing again on Thursday.
KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane is set to appear at the Rupandehi District Court again today.
Yesterday, the government prosecutor completed their arguments in the pretrial detention hearing against him, with two lawyers from the plaintiff’s side still to present their arguments.
Lamichhane first appeared in court last Wednesday and was released on a bail bond under the condition of appearing again on Thursday.
Judge Pralhad Kumar Yogi allowed his release into the custody of his wife Nikita Poudel and a legal representative.
Today’s proceedings will begin with arguments from plaintiff lawyers, including senior advocate Surendra Bhandari and advocate RC Gautam.
This will be followed by Lamichhane’s defense team, led by senior advocate and former Attorney General Sushil Kumar Pant. After the defense concludes, government prosecutors and the plaintiff’s lawyers will provide rebuttals.
The court will then decide whether to detain Lamichhane for further investigation, release him on bail, or grant him release on a general date.
On Jan 19, the District Government Attorney’s Office filed a supplementary charge sheet against Lamichhane, former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, and 14 others, alleging cooperative fraud and organized crime.
The case claims over Rs 550 million in damages involving 28 individuals, with an additional Rs 109.9 million against Lamichhane, Joshi, and Laxmi Prasad Poudel.
Of this, Rs 20 million is attributed to Lamichhane personally.
As today is Friday and the defense team has a large number of lawyers, only a few will argue to expedite proceedings.
The court aims to conclude the hearing within the day.
