POKHARA: Rabi Lamichhane, the Chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who is under investigation for alleged fraud involving the Supreme Savings and Loan Cooperative Society of Butwal, was transported from Bhairahawa to Pokhara today.
Lamichhane’s statement, which had been taken in Bhairahawa after his arrival from Kaski last Tuesday, was concluded late yesterday evening.
Lamichhane was originally scheduled to fly to Kaski this morning at 7:45 a.m. aboard a Buddha Air flight, but due to the airport’s temporary closure, he was instead sent to Pokhara via a Yeti Airlines flight at 1:30 a.m., according to Rupandehi police.
Ranjit Singh Rathore, Chief Superintendent of Police at the Rupandehi District Police Office, confirmed that Lamichhane was sent to Pokhara as soon as the airport reopened.
Attorney Premraj Paudel from the District Public Prosecutor’s Office in Rupandehi stated that Lamichhane’s statement was taken over the course of 3 days and 23 hours as part of the investigation into the cooperative fund fraud case.
During this period, Lamichhane answered 74 questions, with the questioning taking place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The statement was conducted under the supervision of the District Attorney and the Chief of Police.
Lamichhane’s testimony, which began at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, ended at 8:00 p.m. He was escorted out of the Public Prosecutor’s Office at 8:25 p.m.
The case against Lamichhane involves accusations that he embezzled funds from the Supreme Savings in Butwal.
Lamichhane, a former Home Minister, has been charged with fraud, and an arrest warrant was issued against him by the court.
Sources indicate that during questioning, Lamichhane denied any involvement in the misappropriation of funds, stating that he was never a member of the Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative.
The investigation will be submitted to the court by the District Public Prosecutor’s Office following the completion of the statement.
According to a report from the Parliamentary Special Committee of Investigation and police sources, Lamichhane is accused of embezzling approximately 2 crore rupees from the Supreme Cooperative, and 1.4 crore rupees in connection with affiliates of GB Rai.
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