KATHMANDU: The Parliamentary Inquiry Special Committee on cooperative fraud has concluded that Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was involved in the embezzlement of cooperative funds.
The committee’s late-night meeting determined that Lamichhane had misappropriated cooperative funds.
The inquiry uncovered that Lamichhane, who was both the Managing Director of Gorkha Media Network and the former Home Minister, alongside GB Rai, the company Chairman, and director Chabilal Joshi, operated a joint account.
They used this account to manage employee salaries and allowances, which were funded by the cooperative.
It was confirmed that they had completed KYC forms at the bank and signed the cheques. The committee’s judgment reflects these findings.
“It appears that Gorkha Media was financed with cooperative funds. Salaries and allowances were paid using these funds, and there is no policy governing investments in cooperative media. It also seems he operated joint accounts in two banks,” a source at the committee said.
The committee member noted that funds were withdrawn with Lamichhane’s signature. “Money was withdrawn via cheques signed by Lamichhane,” the source added.
During a nine-hour statement to the inquiry committee, Lamichhane claimed ignorance regarding Gorkha Media’s investments, income, and expenses.
The audit report, which included details on investments, loans, and assets, featured signatures from GB Rai as chairman and Lamichhane as Managing Director.
Like Rai, Lamichhane also transferred cooperative savings to the company and presented it as his investment, securing shares from the company registrar’s office.
The document submitted to the company registrar, bearing Lamichhane’s signature and thumbprint, indicated that he had paid for 15 percent of the company’s shares.
The Committee finalized its report late night after a meeting that began at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
Additionally, the Committee decided to initiate an investigation into Vice President of Nepali Congress, Dhanraj Gurung.
“Although not part of the terms of reference, the committee believes an investigation is necessary due to the complaint received and the involvement of the Gurung couple in a large-scale embezzlement,” a committee member stated.
Sources suggest that some members of the parliamentary committee, including RSP MP Shishir Khanal and Maoist MP Lekhnath Dahal, may be attempting to shield Lamichhane.
If the committee finds Lamichhane guilty and submits a report, he will be required to resign from his position and face legal proceedings.
The committee will present its report at today’s parliamentary meeting.
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