KATHMANDU: The statement of Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and suspended lawmaker, continues today at the Kaski District Court, where he faces charges of cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime.
Yesterday afternoon, Lamichhane started speaking in the courtroom of Judge Nitij Rai. The proceedings needed an extra day since the session, which lasted almost three hours, was not finished.
As part of the current legal proceedings, Suraj Adhikari, the court's information officer, stated that the remaining portion of Lamichhane's statement will be recorded today.
Lamichhane was in court earlier on Monday and Tuesday, but because other defendants were still testifying, his statement was postponed. The proceedings have been prolonged by this scheduling.
One of the primary defendants, former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Chhabilal Joshi, concluded his statement on Tuesday. When Lila Pachhai, another defendant, testified, Lamichhane's turn was further postponed.
The court must now determine whether to retain Lamichhane and the other accused in custody for additional proceedings, set a trial date, or release them on bond.
The Government Attorney's Office in Kaski has connected Lamichhane to a complex legal case and charged 44 individuals with coordinated fraud.
The case's scope has been significantly expanded by the addition of five more defendants for property confiscation connected to the alleged offenses in addition to the core counts.
When Lamichhane was officially charged with joint fraud, money laundering, and organized crime 92 days after his original incarceration, his arrest and the ensuing legal battles reached a turning point.
