Pokhara High Court seeks clarification report on release of Rabi and seven others on bail

KATHMANDU: The High Court in Pokhara has called for a clarification report regarding the release of seven individuals, including Rabi Lamichhane, in connection with the Suryadarshan Cooperative savings embezzlement case.

Justice Raju Kumar Khatri’s bench issued the order on Tuesday, signaling a review of the Kaski District Court’s decision on procedural and legal grounds.

Earlier, the Kaski District Court had granted bail to Rabi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and six others accused of organized crime, cooperative fraud, and money laundering.

The court’s decision on January 9 required bail payments of Rs 6.50,000 for Lamichhane, Rs 880,000 for Chhabilal Joshi, Rs 150,000 for Ram Bahadur Khanal, Rs 370,000 for Leela Pachhai, and Rs 50,000 each for Meena Gurung and Arati Gurung. Krishna Bahadur Gurung was released on Rs 10,000 bail.

The Office of the Government Attorney challenged the district court’s decision, arguing that releasing the accused on bail could obstruct the ongoing investigation.

The clarification report will now analyze potential errors or procedural lapses in the district court’s judgment.

Depending on the findings, the High Court may order the accused to be taken into custody.