Lamichhane brought to Rupandehi for questioning

LUMBINI: Former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane was brought to Rupandehi on Tuesday for questioning regarding his alleged role in the misappropriation of deposits from Supreme Cooperative in Butwal.

Lamichhane, who is also the president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is currently in the custody of Kaski police for investigation into the misappropriation of deposits from Suryadarshan Cooperative. He was brought from Pokhara for questioning via a Buddha Air flight.

According to Rupandehi police, Lamichhane will be taken to the District Government Attorney’s Office through the Area Police Office, Butwal, for questioning.

The Rupandehi District Court earlier issued arrest warrants against Lamichhane, former DIG of Nepal Police Chhabilal Joshi, and 10 others.

Supreme Cooperative has issued a loan of Rs 20 million in Lamichhane’s name.

Meanwhile, RSP supporters are demonstrating in Bhairahawa to protest Lamichhane’s arrest. Cooperative victims are also preparing to protest outside the District Government Attorney’s Office.

According to a report by the Parliamentary Special Investigation Committee on Misappropriation of Cooperative Deposits, Rs 142.9 million from Supreme Cooperative was transferred to Gorkha Media Network through various individuals, including Lamichhane and GB Rai.

Rupandehi police plan to return Lamichhane to Pokhara after the questioning.

Lamichhane’s detention was extended by 13 days on Sunday.