Rabi Lamichhane’s detention hearing continues, verdict expected today
Lamichhane, accused of co-operative fraud and organized crime, has been appearing in court since last Wednesday to defend himself.
KATHMANDU: The debate over the detention of Rabi Lamichhane, President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and others involved in the Supreme Co-operative fraud case, continues today at the Rupandehi District Court.
Lamichhane, accused of co-operative fraud and organized crime, has been appearing in court since last Wednesday to defend himself.
On the day of his appearance, he gave a statement before being released into the custody of his family and lawyers.
The hearing, overseen by Judge Prahlad Kumar Yogi, began on Thursday with arguments from the district and high public prosecutors.
On Friday, lawyers representing the plaintiff and the defendants presented their arguments. Due to time constraints, the hearing was rescheduled for Sunday.
Today, defense lawyers including Raman Shrestha and Rajendra Sedhai are concluding their arguments, after which the public prosecutors and the plaintiff’s representatives will present rebuttals.
Following the conclusion of arguments, Judge Yogi is expected to issue an order regarding the defendants’ status—whether they will remain in custody, be released on bail, or be granted a regular court date.
A supplementary case has been filed against Lamichhane and 22 others, demanding over Rs 550 million in damages.
Among the claims, Rs 109.9 million has been demanded from Lamichhane, Chhabilal Joshi, and Laxmi Prasad Paudel collectively, with an additional Rs 20 million attributed to Lamichhane individually.
