Parliamentary Committee to Question Rabi Lamichhane in Cooperative Funds Embezzlement Case

The Parliamentary Inquiry Special Committee, tasked with investigating the misappropriation of cooperative funds, is set to question Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), today. Lamichhane is under investigation for his alleged involvement in the embezzlement of funds from several cooperatives, including the Suryadarshan Cooperative in Pokhara, Supreme Cooperative in Butwal, and Sahara Cooperative in Chitwan. The funds in question were allegedly diverted through Gorkha Media.

In addition to Lamichhane, the Committee is gathering statements from directors and shareholders of nearly 100 problematic cooperatives across the country. Surya Thapa, Chairman of the Committee, noted that the process of collecting statements is nearing completion, with the focus now shifting to drafting the final report.

A Committee member confirmed that both Lamichhane and Chabilal Joshi Banjade, another individual linked to the Gorkha Media case, will provide their statements today. Banjade, who is associated with GB, the owner of Galaxy Television, has been connected to the operations of the channel since its inception.

“We are scheduled to hear from Rabi Lamichhane and Chabilal Joshi Banjade,” said the Committee member. The Committee has indicated that there is evidence suggesting Lamichhane and others were involved in transferring money from various cooperatives in a manner that constitutes embezzlement. The final report is expected to shed light on the extent of their involvement.