GALKOT, Jan 27: The Interpol Division of Police Headquarters has issued a 'Red Corner Notice' for Dev Kumar Nepali, former head of Baglung's Dhorpatan municipality and founder president of Image Savings and Credit Cooperative. Nepali is accused of absconding with over one and a half billion rupees from the cooperative's savers.
Deputy Superintendent of Police and Information Officer at District Police Office Baglung, Madan KC, confirmed that the notice was issued following Nepali's disappearance with substantial cooperative funds. Nepali has been out of contact since May 19, last seen at Burtiwang market.
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The 'Red Corner Notice' aims to facilitate his search through Interpol, as there is suspicion that he may be hiding abroad. Nepali allegedly embezzled funds through branch offices in Galkot, Burtiwang, Pokhara, and the main office in Baglung Bazar. The District Police Office had formally requested Interpol to issue the notice in Bhadra.
A total of 1,481 individuals have filed complaints against the cooperative's operators, including Nepali. Preliminary investigations indicate that the cooperative in Baglung has misappropriated the savings of 800 shareholders and 3,200 savers, totaling more than Rs 1.5 billion.
"Red corner notices are crucial for securing arrests with the assistance of security personnel from Interpol member countries worldwide," KC stated.
Legal action commenced on July 10 against 11 individuals, including Nepali, with a case filed in the district court at Baglung. After Nepali lost contact, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) of Nepal Police directed the District Police Office on May 30 to advance the investigation against other cooperative officials.
On July 20, the court ordered the detention of director Chitra Bahadur Bhandari, staff manager Shakti Kisan, and employee Lalmati Roka, all arrested for their involvement in the embezzlement. Treasurer Lakshmi Sen was also arrested on Friday by the District Police Office.
