POKHARA, Jan 9: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been released on bail of Rs 6.5 million after 84 days in judicial custody. The Kaski District Court issued the order on Thursday evening in connection with the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case.
Lamichhane was released around 8:30 pm following a delay in processing the bail guarantee. He was handed over to his wife, Nikita Poudel, and party representatives after a health check, according to Kaski Police Spokesperson DSP Basanta Kumar Sharma.
The case involves allegations of cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime. Lamichhane is accused of illegally earning Rs 278.944 million and embezzling Rs 33.765 million while managing Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd.
RSP Chair Lamichhane’s wife made defendant in Suryadarshan Coop...
The court ordered bail after considering evidence of transactions linked to Lamichhane, stating that further trial was required but granting temporary release based on a bank guarantee.
The Kaski District Court also ordered bail for six other defendants in the case. Former DIG Chhabilal Joshi was released on a Rs 8.8 million bail, while others, including Lila Pachai and Ram Khanal, posted smaller sums.
The District Government Attorney’s Office in Kaski has demanded fines totaling Rs 1.51 billion against 63 individuals, including Lamichhane.
Following his release, RSP leaders and supporters celebrated outside the court, chanting slogans in his favor. RSP’s acting spokesperson Manish Jha hailed the decision as a sign of judicial independence, emphasizing that justice is still achievable despite political pressure.
Lamichhane also faces a related case in the Kathmandu District Court linked to the Swarna Lakshmi Cooperative fraud. He is expected to appear in court for closing arguments soon.
-1200x560_20240315110144.jpg)
