Gandaki: The District Court in Kaski has registered cases against four individuals, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, on charges of money laundering linked to the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperatives fraud scam.

Assistant District Attorney Shanti Devi Sharma stated that alongside Lamichhane, cases have been filed against Ram Bahadur Khanal, Chhabilal Joshi, and Lila Pachhai. Lamichhane is accused of embezzling Rs 278.9 million, while Joshi is alleged to have misappropriated Rs 743.5 million.

In total, charges have been filed against 63 individuals for various offenses related to cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. Of these, 19 are charged with organized crime, and 31 with cooperative fraud, including Lamichhane.

Information Officer Suraj Adhikari confirmed that the charge-sheets call for strict penalties against Lamichhane and others involved in the alleged misappropriation of cooperative funds.

Lamichhane has been in police custody since October 18, following his apprehension in Kathmandu and subsequent transfer to Kaski. Investigations are ongoing regarding his involvement in misusing cooperative funds in multiple districts.

This case has raised significant public concern, given Lamichhane's prominence as a former home minister and leader of a major political party. The allegations highlight the need for robust oversight mechanisms to prevent financial misconduct in cooperative institutions.