KATHMANDU: The hearing on the remand of the accused in the embezzlement case involving the savings of Suryadarshan Cooperative in Kaski is ongoing at the Kaski District Court.
The remand hearing for seven defendants, including the Chair of Rastriya Swatantra Party and former Home Minister, Rabi Lamichhane, is being conducted by Judge Nitij Rai.
According to Court Registrar Rajan Khanal, the arguments on behalf of Lamichhane concluded on Tuesday, followed by the commencement of the defense arguments for other defendants.
On Monday and Tuesday, senior advocates Sushil Kumar Pant, Raman Kumar Shrestha, and Surendra Thapa, representing Lamichhane, presented their arguments. Previously, the legal representatives for co-defendants Leela Pachhai and Chhabilal Joshi had made their case.
The ongoing proceedings follow the initial arguments presented by government prosecutors and lawyers representing the cooperative’s victims.
The defense arguments began immediately after the defendants’ statements were recorded on December 31. Upon the conclusion of the defense arguments, the government prosecutors are expected to present their rebuttal.
The court’s decision post-hearing will determine whether the defendants will remain in custody for further investigation or be released while the investigation continues.
Alongside Lamichhane, the case involves co-defendants such as former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Leela Pachhai, Krishna Bahadur Gurung, and Ram Bahadur Khanal, who are facing remand hearings.
The Kaski District Attorney’s Office filed the case accusing Lamichhane and 43 others of embezzling funds from Surya Darshan Cooperative.
Lamichhane also faces charges of organized crime and money laundering.
To date, a total of 63 individuals have been charged in the embezzlement case, with 19, including Lamichhane, also accused of organized crime.
Additionally, Lamichhane, along with co-defendants Khanal, Joshi, and Pachhai, faces charges under the Money Laundering Prevention Act, as confirmed by the District Attorney’s Office.
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