Himal Press 
Police have tightened security in near Kaski District Court. Photo: Himal Press
POKHARA: When Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane was brought to court on Sunday, party workers were notably absent from the streets, in contrast to previous demonstrations against the government.
Lamichhane, currently in the custody of Kaski police on charges including cooperative fraud, was taken to the Kaski District Court for his fifth remand extension earlier on Sunday. Police took him from the police office in Gairapatan to the Kaski District Court near Sahid Chowk early in the morning under tight security.
RSP’s Kaski District President Yograj Poudel explained they stopped demonstrations following directives from the central office. He, however, added that regular sit-in program has continued at Chipledhunga.
After Lamichhane’s arrest on October 18, the RSP had organized week-long protests, calling the arrest politically motivated. While protests continued in Kathmandu afterward, Poudel confirmed there were no demonstrations nationwide on Sunday.
Security remained tight around the court during Lamichhane’s hearing, with public movement restricted near Sahid Chowk.
Police presented Lamichhane before the court on Sunday as the 13-day remand expired on Friday.
After the remand extension, police plan to transfer him to Kathmandu as an arrest warrant has been issued by the Kathmandu District Court for investigation into a similar case.
Lamichhane has already spent 40 days in custody. Kaski police are investigating him for cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. He has been accused of misappropriating funds from Suryadarshan Cooperative while serving as Managing Director of Gorkha Media.
Meanwhile, RSP is focusing on upcoming local body by-elections. The party’s central committee decided on Wednesday to mobilize central leaders for gatherings on November 23 and 24 in election areas.
Ganesh Parajuli, RSP central member and local election coordinator, stated that the party has temporarily suspended protests against Lamichhane’s arrest to concentrate on the by-elections.
