Court Orders Submission of Case Files in Cooperative Fraud Case
Butwal, Nov. 6 — The Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court has issued an order requiring authorities to submit the initial case files related to a cooperative fraud and organized crime case involving Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane and former Gorkha Media Network director Chhabi Lal Joshi.
The division bench, consisting of judges Basudev Acharya and Om Prasad Aryal, made the decision after hearing arguments from both parties. The previous hearing, scheduled for October 30, was postponed following a petition filed by Joshi’s legal team.
According to court information officer Ram Bahadur Kunwar, the bench ordered the submission of the original files after Lamichhane requested to be released from judicial custody upon repaying the alleged misappropriated amount. Additionally, the court directed the submission of Joshi’s file for joint review, as both cases are considered similar in nature.
During Thursday’s hearing, advocates Mahendra Pandey and Baburam Pandey represented Lamichhane, while advocate Apurva Khatri appeared on behalf of Joshi.
Lamichhane and Joshi are both accused of embezzling funds from the Butwal-based Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative. They have each submitted bank guarantees equivalent to their alleged liability—Rs27.4 million.
The High Court had previously sought clarification reports in Lamichhane’s case after the Rupandehi District Court rejected his release on August 11, despite his submission of the same amount as security.
Lamichhane, who was initially held in Bhairahawa prison, has now been transferred to Nakkhu prison in Lalitpur. Meanwhile, Joshi remains in Bhairahawa.
An investigation into the cooperative fraud case has revealed a total loss of Rs109.36 million. Lamichhane has claimed responsibility for one-fourth of this amount, for which he has submitted the equivalent bank guarantee. However, both accused individuals remain in custody as the exact division of liability has yet to be verified.
Key Points from the Case
- Court Order: The Tulsipur High Court has ordered the submission of initial case files related to the cooperative fraud and organized crime case.
- Legal Representation: Advocates Mahendra Pandey and Baburam Pandey represented Rabi Lamichhane, while Apurva Khatri represented Chhabi Lal Joshi.
- Bank Guarantees: Both accused individuals have submitted bank guarantees equivalent to their alleged liability—Rs27.4 million each.
- Investigation Findings: A total loss of Rs109.36 million has been identified in the cooperative fraud case.
- Custody Status: Despite submitting bank guarantees, both Lamichhane and Joshi remain in custody as the exact division of liability is still under review.