Gandaki: The Kaski District Court has permitted police to keep Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane in custody for an additional 15 days as investigations into cooperative fraud and organized crime intensify.
The decision was issued by Judge Himlal Belbase following a hearing today. Court Information Officer Suraj Adhikari confirmed the extension, stating it allows further examination of substantial evidence allegedly implicating Lamichhane in the case.
Key Evidence Links Lamichhane to Fraud
Investigators have uncovered significant evidence of Lamichhane’s involvement in financial transactions tied to Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd. and cooperative funds. Among the findings are:
Rs. 15.5 Million in Interest Payments: Lamichhane has reportedly issued checks to pay interest on loans taken from cooperatives, despite earlier claims of having no knowledge of these dealings.
Three Dozen Signed Checks: Police recovered around 36 checks signed by Lamichhane on various dates, directly linking him to cooperative transactions.
Bank Account Documentation: A parliamentary committee investigation revealed account details at Global IME Bank, jointly operated by Lamichhane, Gorkha Media Network Chairman Gitendra Babu Rai, and Director Chhabilal Joshi.
Forensic analysis of the recovered checks at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed Lamichhane’s signature, which he has admitted to police.
Background of the Case
Lamichhane, who was arrested in Kathmandu on October 18, has been in custody since November 10, when the Kaski District Court initially authorized a 13-day detention. His transfer to Pokhara followed mounting evidence of his direct involvement in financial mismanagement and fraud totaling Rs. 677.6 million borrowed from five cooperatives by Gorkha Media Network.
Police Statement
A senior investigator stated that the evidence surpasses the findings of the parliamentary committee that initially flagged the embezzlement. "More serious evidence has been uncovered, including signed checks and direct payments by Lamichhane, contradicting his earlier denials of involvement," the officer said.
Lamichhane’s continued detention reflects the gravity of the accusations and the complexity of the investigation as authorities work to piece together the full extent of his role in the alleged fraud.
