KATHMANDU: A formal complaint has been lodged against Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), at the Judicial Council while he remains in custody at Bhairahawa Prison.
The complaint, filed by lawyer Ramesh Bahadur Rawal, accuses Lamichhane of interfering in judicial processes.
Rawal’s complaint states that while the case against Lamichhane is still under consideration at the Rupandehi District Court, Lamichhane submitted petitions aimed at influencing the court’s decision.
The petitions reportedly omitted details of all charges except the fraud case, misleading the court about potential punishments and falsely assuring that only a few defendants would be held liable while arranging for a share of any fines or penalties to benefit himself.
The complaint further alleges that Lamichhane was directly involved in manipulating policy and administrative procedures to benefit certain individuals financially, including associates close to him. It accuses him of using his political and media influence to favor certain parties in sensitive matters.
Details of various incidents, names of involved persons, and related financial transactions have been submitted with the complaint.
Rawal claims that in addition to the fraud case, Lamichhane faces charges under the Organized Crime Control Act and money laundering provisions. The complaint demands serious legal action, including detention based on the available evidence.
The complaint also accuses Lamichhane’s supporters of spreading misinformation through media, campaigning that Lamichhane is innocent and politically targeted, thus exerting undue pressure on the judiciary. It highlights attempts to undermine the independence of the judicial process, including alleged preparations outside court benches by judges to free Lamichhane.
No official response from Lamichhane or his party has been received so far.
Previously, Lamichhane had submitted a bank guarantee of Rs 27.48 million to Rupandehi District Court seeking release from Bhairahawa Prison. Despite this, the Supreme Court refused to release him, citing evidence that did not exonerate him.
Lamichhane was previously released on bail in a cooperative savings fraud case but was later ordered detained by the Dang High Court, Bhairahawa bench. The Supreme Court upheld this detention order.
Investigations by parliamentary committees and Nepal Police revealed that Gitendra Babu Rai (GB Rai), allegedly encouraged by Lamichhane, illegally invested millions of rupees from more than five cooperative institutions into Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd and its Galaxy Television channel. Lamichhane was considered the chief planner in this case, leading to prosecution.
Lamichhane appealed for release on bail citing political vendetta but was denied, and he has remained in custody since April 7.
On the political front, Raswapa lawmakers have visited Lamichhane in prison, discussed petitions for his release, and expressed support. Fundraising campaigns for his legal defense have reportedly collected significant sums, which sources claim have been used for bail guarantees.
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