KATHMANDU: Statements from individuals accused of embezzlement in five cooperatives began Monday at the Kaski District Court.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane, along with four others, appeared before Judge Nitij Rai.
Proceedings commenced after the judge reviewed the case file.
Former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, a partner in Gorkha Media Network with Rabi Lamichhane and GB Rai, was the first to testify.
However, his statement remained incomplete, and the court session was adjourned to continue the following day.
Rabi’s statement will follow Chhabi’s, with others, including Leela Pachhai, Ram Bahadur Khanal, and Krishna Bahadur Gurung, testifying later.
Court spokesperson Suraj Adhikari confirmed that despite the initial review of the case file, Chhabi’s testimony could not be concluded on the first day.
On Sunday, the District Government Attorney’s Office registered cases against Rabi Lamichhane and 30 others at Kaski District Court, charging them with cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering in connection with the Suryadarshan Cooperative in Pokhara.
Separate cases have also been filed against eight companies allegedly involved in the scheme, including those linked to GB Rai.
The attorney’s office has requested the confiscation of assets belonging to Rabi Lamichhane, Nikita Poudel, and Chhabilal Joshi in connection with the money laundering charges.
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