KATHMANDU: Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is in the final stages of investigation over allegations of cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering.
After completing his statement in Parsa, Lamichhane was taken to Pokhara via Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Lamichhane, arrested on Kartik 2 in Kathmandu, has given statements in five districts: Kaski, Rupandehi, Chitwan, Kathmandu, and Parsa.
The investigations revolve around allegations of embezzlement in cooperatives including Suryadarshan, Supreme, Sahara, Hamro Sano Paila, and Swarnalakshmi.
Before being detained in Kaski, Lamichhane underwent a health check-up at Fishtail Hospital, where his blood pressure was found to be critically high at 170/100.
Previously in Parsa, it had measured 160/110.
Despite recommendations from Dr. Basanta Tamrakar to be admitted for further observation, Lamichhane declined and opted to remain in custody under medication.
Lamichhane’s health concerns have prompted his family and secretariat members to urge him to seek proper medical care.
However, Lamichhane insists his heart is strong enough and prefers to stay in custody.
On Monday, Lamichhane was taken to Birgunj for a statement regarding the Hamro Sano Paila cooperative case.
From there, he was transported to Kathmandu and subsequently to Pokhara.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday for an extension of his detention.
Kaski police have completed their investigation and are preparing a report for the district attorney’s office.
Once submitted, charges are expected to be filed under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, Cooperative Fraud Act, and Organized Crime Act.
Alongside Lamichhane, former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Leela Pachai, and Ram Bahadur Khanal, a director of Nature Herbs International, are also under investigation.
Joshi, arrested on Ashoj 6 for his involvement in the Suryadarshan Savings Cooperative embezzlement case, has been in custody for 80 days.
The legal framework allows for a maximum of 90 days of detention for money laundering investigations.
With only 10 days remaining, authorities face a deadline to complete the investigation and file charges in court.
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