KATHMANDU: Attorney General Sabita Bhandari Baral has approved amendments to two charge sheets, effectively withdrawing organized crime and money laundering charges against all individuals accused in the cooperative fraud case involving Gorkha Media Pvt. Ltd.
Initially, last Wednesday, the decision applied only to Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Sources from the Attorney General’s Office said the scope has now been expanded to include GB Rai, Chhabi Raj Joshi, and other accused individuals. The amendment for the other defendants was finalized on Friday.
With this decision, the accused now only face charges related to cooperative fraud. If they return the money defrauded from victims, they may also seek reconciliation.
Attorney General Baral had earlier decided to withdraw organized crime and money laundering cases solely against Rabi Lamichhane. However, to avoid discrimination, the decision was extended to all remaining defendants, including Gitendra Babu Rai, also known as GB Rai, who had fled abroad after allegedly defrauding savers of crores of rupees.
The next step involves the government prosecutor filing an application to formally amend the charges and request withdrawal of these cases. The final decision will rest with the concerned judge.
Rabi and GB are accused of cooperative fraud in multiple districts, including Supreme Cooperative of Butwal, Surya Darshan Cooperative of Pokhara, Swarnalaxmi Cooperative of Kathmandu, Sahara Cooperative of Chitwan, and Sano Paila Cooperative of Parsa. None of these cases has yet been decided.
Rabi, previously remanded in custody for the Supreme Cooperative fraud in Butwal, was released on bail. Shortly after his release, the government initiated the process to withdraw the charges in the two offenses, giving him additional concessions. With the new decision, GB Rai is now also eligible for the same concessions.
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