KATHMANDU, Sept 16: The parliamentary special investigation committee formed to investigate embezzlement of cooperative funds has concluded that Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, was involved in the embezzlement of cooperative funds.
The committee meeting, which continued late into the night, concluded that Lamichhane embezzled cooperative funds. "All the evidence presented to the committee did not show him as innocent," a source stated.
The committee has determined that Rabi Lamichhane, former Managing Director of Gorkha Media Network and a former home minister, and chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), along with the company's Chairman Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai, and Director Chhabilal Joshi, operated a joint account, disbursed salaries and allowances to employees from the cooperative, and filled out KYC forms at the bank, confirming their signatures on checks. Therefore, the committee has concluded that Lamichhane is not found innocent.
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"He does not appear to be cleared of charges. It seems that the money from the cooperative was used to open Gorkha Media and pay salaries and allowances. There are no policies or regulations for using cooperative funds for media purposes. It is also evident that a joint account was operated in two banks," said a member of the committee. "Despite what is said externally, there is no evidence of investment from sources other than the cooperative. The member also mentioned that funds were withdrawn using Lamichhane's signature. “Money was withdrawn through checks signed by Lamichhane,” the source added.
During the 9-hour interrogation by the investigation committee, Lamichhane claimed that he was unaware of the investments, income, and expenses of Gorkha Media. Prior to leaving Gorkha Media, he had praised GB Rai, saying that one needs a heart like his. The audit report of the company's investments, loans, and assets also shows signatures of Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai as the chairman and Rabi Lamichhane as the managing director. Like Rai, Lamichhane had transferred the cooperative’s savings to the company, presenting it as his investment, and secured shares from the Company Registrar's Office on April 17, 2020.
Lamichhane also mentioned in the documents submitted to the Company Registrar's Office, which include signatures and thumbprints, that he had invested money in the company for 15 percent of the shares. The committee's report was prepared by 2:30 AM. The meeting to finalize the report, which started at 10 AM on Friday, continued until 2:30 AM. Additionally, the meeting decided to send a written request for further investigation into the matter of Nepali Congress Vice-President Dhanraj Gurung.
"Although not mentioned in the terms of reference, the committee has determined that there is a need for investigation since a complaint was received, and a large amount of money is involved, with the Gurung couple being implicated," said a member of the committee. Sources claim that parliamentary committee members Shishir Khanal from RSP and Lekhnath Dahal from Maoist Center were trying to protect Lamichhane without naming him directly.
"It seemed that Lekhnath Dahal from Maoist Center was more inclined to protect him than Shishir Khanal from RSP," said a committee member. If the committee identifies the guilty parties and submits the report, Lamichhane will have to resign from his position and face investigation. The committee will present the report at today's parliamentary session.
