Detention hearing begins in case against Rabi Lamichhane

KATHMANDU: The detention hearing for Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantrta Party (RSP) and former Home Minister, in connection with the Butwal Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative case has commenced today.

Lawyers representing the victims of the cooperative initiated the arguments in the courtroom presided over by Judge Prahlad Kumar Yogi.

On Friday, two legal practitioners will represent the cooperative victims, while approximately half a dozen lawyers will argue on behalf of the defendant.

Senior Advocate Surendra Bhandari and Advocate RC Gautam will present arguments for the complainant today. Following this, the defendant’s legal team will begin their arguments.

Ravi Lamichhane’s defense team includes Senior Advocates and former Attorney Generals Sushil Kumar Pant and Raman Shrestha, along with Advocates Dr. Narayan Datt Kandel, Rajendra Sedhai, and Suraj Basnet.

Earlier, on the first day of hearings, government lawyers, including District Government Attorney Chief Prem Raj Paudel, Gokarn Ghimire, Pavitra Bhandari, Basant Pokhrel, and Sunil Lamichhane, presented their arguments.

Attorneys from the High Government Attorney Office in Butwal, including Somkant Bhandari, Prakash Marasini, and Ravi Nyaupane also argued the case.

With two lawyers representing the complainant and five for the defendant, it is expected that a bail decision may be issued today.