KATHMANDU, Oct 25: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has launched a protest in Kathmandu against the arrest of its chairman, Rabi Lamichhane, in a cooperative fraud embezzlement case. Following several days of protests in Pokhara, Kaski, the party has shifted its focus to the capital starting Friday.
The demonstration commenced at Maitighar, where party supporters gathered to voice their dissent. Lamichhane was arrested by the police from the party office in Banasthali on October 18, after the Kaski District Court authorized his arrest for allegedly misappropriating funds from the Surya Darshan Cooperative in Kaski. The RSP has characterized the arrest as politically motivated revenge, claiming that they have been on the streets protesting since the incident. Even during his custody, Lamichhane called for protests, asserting that he was being targeted.
RSP intensifies protest against Chairman Lamichhane’s arrest
Following his arrest, Lamichhane was first presented in court on October 20, where police were granted a six-day detention for investigation. After that period, the court allowed for further investigation, remanding him for an additional seven days during his latest court appearance on Thursday.
The police are investigating Lamichhane for several charges, including cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering.
Meanwhile, the Rupandehi District Court issued arrest warrants for 12 individuals, including Lamichhane, in connection with the Butwal-based Supreme Cooperative fraud case on Thursday.
