KATHMANDU, Sept 9: Rabi Lamichhane, the chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has admitted that funds from a cooperative were improperly used by Gorkha Media, an organization with which he was associated. However, he firmly denied any personal involvement in the misuse of these funds. 

During a press briefing at Dhangadhi Airport, Lamichhane said that the channeling of cooperative funds to Gorkha Media and other related institutions has been confirmed but stressed that this does not imply his direct responsibility.

Lamichhane said that his association with Gorkha Media should not be taken as evidence of his involvement in the wrongdoing, pointing out that just being linked to the institution does not mean he should be held accountable for misconduct carried out by others. "I am not responsible simply because I am connected to Gorkha Media. Responsibility should only be assigned where there is proof of personal involvement or benefit," Lamichhane said.

He further clarified that an ongoing police investigation has already identified the individuals directly responsible for the financial mismanagement.

Lamichhane served as the managing director of Gorkha Media, chaired by fugitive GB Rai, who has been accused of misusing significant amounts from various cooperatives, from February 23, 2021 till July 2022. Lamichhane faces similar accusations.

 
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