Rabi Lamichhane Sent to Judicial Custody Over Embezzlement Allegations

The Kathmandu District Court has ordered Rabi Lamichhane, Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), to be held in judicial custody pending further proceedings.

The decision was made by a single bench of District Judge Madhav Prasad Adhikari, who directed that Lamichhane remain in custody until he appears before the court at 10:00 am on Monday.

Registrar of the Kathmandu District Court, Ramu Sharma, stated that Lamichhane’s judicial custody was ordered as no hearing took place on Friday. “The court recorded Lamichhane’s statement regarding allegations of fund embezzlement involving Swarnalaxmi Cooperatives of Kathmandu,” Sharma added.

The allegations against Lamichhane pertain to the misappropriation of funds at Swarnalaxmi Cooperatives, raising significant public and legal concerns. The specifics of the embezzlement case and the amount involved have yet to be disclosed.

This development marks a major moment for the leader of the RSP, a party that has gained considerable traction in recent years for its anti-corruption stance and promises of political reform.

Lamichhane is expected to be presented before the court on Monday for a hearing. Legal experts suggest that the court’s decision will depend on the evidence presented regarding his alleged involvement in the financial irregularities.

The incident has sparked widespread interest, with political analysts noting the implications this case could have on Lamichhane’s political career and the RSP’s image.

As the investigation unfolds, the case is likely to attract further public and media scrutiny, given Lamichhane’s prominence in Nepali politics.