Ending weeks of speculation, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane has been arrested by police. His apprehension on Friday evening comes amid investigations into charges of cooperative fraud and organized crime.
A police team from the Central Investigation Bureau arrested Lamichhane at his party’s head office in Banasthali, Kathmandu, before transporting him to Pokhara for trial, as the case is registered with the District Police Office in Kaski. Earlier that evening, the Kaski District Court authorized the arrest, also permitting police to apprehend 13 others linked to fraud cases involving the Pokhara-based Suryadarshan Cooperative.
A parliamentary probe committee formed in May found that Lamichhane misused millions funneled into Gorkha Media Network when he served as its managing director prior to his political career, which began in June 2022. Investigations indicated that he mismanaged public funds from various cooperatives.
Lamichhane’s arrest seemed imminent following the police capture of former Deputy Inspector General Chhabi Lal Joshi on September 22 for misappropriating Suryadarshan Savings and Credit Cooperative funds
Rumors of Lamichhane’s arrest circulated on Friday morning, coinciding with an unusual absence of all seven judges at the Kaski District Court. Judge Krishna Jung Shah arrived later in the day, allowing police to present the necessary documents for the arrest. By around 5 PM, the court granted permission to apprehend Lamichhane.
After securing the court’s authorization, police handed Lamichhane the arrest warrant, which he signed around 6:45 PM.
Lamichhane is set to appear before the Kaski District Court on Sunday for a custody extension. The court may initially allow up to one week, with potential extensions depending on the nature of the investigation, which includes organized crime and could extend custody up to 90 days for money laundering inquiries.
Despite his arrest, Lamichhane will remain a member of parliament and RSP president until he faces judicial custody or is convicted. His position is protected under regulations, ensuring he retains his role even during the investigation.
In response to the arrest, Lamichhane expressed outrage on social media, alleging government hypocrisy and misuse of power. He criticized the government for protecting corrupt leaders while he faces charges, asserting his commitment to cooperate with the investigation.
The RSP condemned the arrest as politically motivated, citing the parliamentary investigation committee’s earlier findings that cleared Lamichhane of wrongdoing. The party emphasized its readiness to uphold the rule of law while resisting what it views as a political vendetta against Lamichhane and its movement.
Senior advocate Dinesh Tripathi dismissed claims of a politically motivated arrest, stating that adequate evidence exists to support the charges against Lamichhane. He criticized the narrative that seeks to blame political figures for the legal actions taken against Lamichhane, advocating for the legal process to unfold without political interference.