Kathmandu: A parliamentary special committee has recommended legal action against four key figures at Gorkha Media Network for their involvement in the misappropriation of Rs 650 million. The recommended individuals include Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, who was formerly the managing director of the network, along with Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai, Kumar Ramtel, and Chhabilal Joshi.
The committee’s report holds all four accountable for the misuse of cooperative funds, estimating that each is responsible for more than Rs 160 million of the misappropriated amount. The report states that irregular transfers from cooperatives to Gorkha Media Network were managed by these individuals, recommending that the government take action as per existing laws.
Rabi Lamichhane, who has claimed ignorance about the source of the funds, was questioned for nine hours by the committee. Despite his claims of a ‘clean chit,’ the committee asserts that the funds were not invested in productive sectors and describes the case as a complete fraud.
The committee also suggests legal action against directors of several other cooperatives involved in similar financial misconduct. These cooperatives include Surya Darshan Savings and Credit Cooperative Ltd, Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative Ltd, and several others.
To address the crisis, the committee recommends freezing the assets of problematic cooperatives and their directors, conducting thorough audits, and recovering loans. It also proposes establishing task forces to manage and resolve issues with each cooperative, prioritizing the return of savings to depositors.
Legal experts support the committee’s recommendations, emphasizing the need for effective management and oversight to resolve the cooperative crisis and ensure that depositors are compensated.