Kathmandu: The Kaski District Court has granted bail to seven individuals, including Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, in connection with an alleged misappropriation of funds from Suryadarshan Cooperatives in Pokhara. The court’s decision, issued on Thursday by a bench led by Judge Nitij Rai, followed a 10-day hearing.
Lamichhane, who is also a former Home Minister, was released on bail set at Rs. 6.5 million. Alongside him, six other accused were also granted bail, with varying amounts:
- Chhabilal Joshi: Rs. 8.8 million
- Leela Pachhai: Rs. 3.7 million
- Mina Gurung: Rs. 500,000
- Ram Bahadur Khanal: Rs. 1.5 million
- Arati Gurung: Rs. 500,000
- Krishna Bahadur Gurung: Rs. 100,000
The charges allege embezzlement of cooperative funds. According to court registrar Rajan Khanal, the decision was made to allow the accused to await further proceedings while out on bail.
On December 22, the Kaski District Attorney’s Office filed charge sheets against 44 individuals, including Lamichhane, in connection with the case. In total, 63 individuals are facing charges related to the alleged misappropriation of funds.