POKHARA: Former Home Minister and President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, along with 31 others, has been charged with cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime in connection to the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case in Pokhara.
Police submitted its investigation report on Lamichhane and other accused to the Kaski District Government Attorney’s Office last week. After reviewing the report, the office filed the charge sheet at the Kaski District Court on Sunday.
Following the filing of charges, questions have arisen about the status of Lamichhane’s parliamentary position. Constitutional expert Dr Bhimarjun Acharya explained to Himal Press that the fate of his position would be determined based on the court’s decision on pretrial detention. “According to the House of Representatives Rules, if the accused is released on bail or personal recognizance, suspension does not apply. However, if pretrial detention is ordered, suspension is mandatory,” Acharya said.
Clause 248(3) of the House of Representatives Rules states: “If an individual is charged with a criminal offense punishable by three or more years of imprisonment or involving moral turpitude, and is held in custody for pretrial detention or is absconding during this period, they will not be entitled to perform any duties or enjoy privileges as a member. They will remain suspended, and all remuneration, services, and benefits will be halted during this time.”
Lamichhane, who was arrested on October 18 from his party’s central office in Banasthali, is currently in custody in Kaski. During the investigation, statements were also taken in Rupandehi, Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Parsa districts.
Gorkha Media Network Chairperson Gitendra Babu rai and Director former DIG Chhabilal Joshi, Ram Bahadur Khanal, director of Nature Herbs International, and Krishna Gurung, a director of Suryadarshan Cooperative, have also been charged.
The police have recommended recovering Rs 1.5 billion from Lamichhane and 51 others and pursuing charges of cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering.
