KATHMANDU: Rabi Lamichhane, the chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is one of the major individuals involved in the court procedures surrounding the embezzlement of funds from the Suryadarshan Cooperative in Pokhara. These proceedings have come to an end. Lamichhane and six other defendants have been charged with a number of financial offenses pertaining to the cooperative.
In an attempt to secure justice for the embezzlement of cooperative funds, the victims' attorneys made their case on Wednesday. According to Kaski District Court Information Officer Suraj Adhikari, government prosecutors wrapped up their rebuttal arguments by 1 pm the next day.
Adhikari remarked that the completion of the prosecutors' rebuttals marked the end of the arguments in the case. "A decision regarding pre-trial detention could be issued by tonight," he added, indicating that the court may make a ruling on whether the accused will remain in detention or be released.
Rabi Lamichhane's involvement has been the main reason for the case's high level of public attention. Supporters of him insist that the accusations against him are baseless and are optimistic that he won't be found guilty throughout the court processes.
The proceedings began on December 31, 2024, and have included discussions about pre-trial incarceration for each of the seven defendants. The prosecution's rebuttals came after the defendants' lawyers' presentations.
In addition to Lamichhane, the defendants include former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Chhabi Lal Joshi, Amrita Gurung, Meena Gurung, Ram Bahadur Khanal, Krishna Bahadur Gurung, and Leela Pachhai. These individuals are accused of misusing the cooperative's assets.
Now, the court must determine whether to keep the suspects in pre-trial prison until further investigation or release them while investigations are ongoing. This decision will have a big impact on how the case turns out.
On December 22, the District Attorney’s Office formally filed charges against Lamichhane and 43 other individuals involved in the embezzlement of funds from the Suryadarshan Cooperative. A total of 63 individuals are charged in connection with the fraud case.
19 of the 63 people charged, including Lamichhane, are also charged with organized crime activity in addition to their involvement in the joint scheme. The case's legal ramifications are further complicated by this.
Money laundering claims against specific individuals are also included in the charges. In particular, Gitendra Babu Rai's colleague Leela Pachhai, former DIG Chhabi Lal Joshi, and Ram Bahadur Khanal are accused of laundering the illegal money taken from the cooperative.
There are ongoing public discussions concerning the validity of the charges against the defendants, and the case is still being closely watched. The court's final rulings will have a big impact on the people involved and the ongoing investigation into the misuse of Suryadarshan Cooperative funds.
.jpg)
