KASKI, Jan 8: The hearings of all accused in the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case have concluded in the Kaski District Court. The plaintiffs, government attorney, and defendants completed their statements on Wednesday after several days of closed proceedings, which began on December 31. The case is being heard by Judge Nitij Rai.
Counter arguments by the plaintiffs commenced on Wednesday. After the counter arguments concludes, the court will issue an order determining whether the accused will be sent to remand for trial or released on bail while the case proceeds.
Suryadarshan scam: Detention hearing continues for defendants
Among the accused are prominent figures such as Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Leela Pachain, Ram Bahadur Khanal, former MPs Meena Gurung, Krishna Bahadur Gurung, and Aarti Gurung.
A total of 31 individuals are facing charges in the cooperative fraud case, with over Rs 1.51 billion demanded from them. The accused are charged with cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. Among them, 19 are charged with organized crime, four with money laundering, and two with crypto-related offenses. Additionally, five people, including Lamichhane’s wife Nikita, face charges for property seizure.
