BHAIRAHAWA: Ravi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, underwent nine hours of questioning at the office of the district attorney, Rupandehi on Wednesday.
The former Home Minister faces allegations of misappropriating funds from the Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative Limited, located in Butwal.
During the interrogation, conducted in the presence of police officials, Lamichhane was asked 50 questions.
However, he denied all accusations, asserting that he is not responsible for any transactions made in his name, including checks issued and deposits made to his account.
Lamichhane was transferred from Kaski to Bhairahawa, Rupandehi on Tuesday for questioning concerning the alleged fund misappropriation.
After Wednesday’s interrogation, Rupandehi SP Ranjit Singh Rathore confirmed that he remains in custody at the Bhairahawa District Police Office for a second day.
The interrogation, supervised by District Attorney Premraj Paudel, was attended by DSP Bijay Raj Pandit of the Area Police Office, Butwal and other investigation officers.
According to Paudel, the proceedings complied with Section 16 of the Criminal Procedure Code (Act), which mandates that the investigating officers present the accused for statements before the government attorney.
Lamichhane faces further charges related to misappropriating funds from the Surya Darshan Cooperative in Pokhara.
The Rupandehi District Court had previously issued an arrest warrant for Lamichhane, former DIG Chhabi Lal Joshi, and ten others in connection with the case.
Police are investigating the alleged misuse of 142.9 million rupees from the Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative, which was reportedly diverted to Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd. through various channels.
Reports by the parliamentary probe committee and the police indicate that 19.6 million rupees was transferred under Lamichhane’s name, while 142.9 million rupees was channeled to Gorkha Media Network via other individuals.
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