Kathmandu: The Tulasipur High Court has ordered the pre-trial detention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane in connection with the Rupandehi-based Supreme Cooperative fraud and organized crime cases.
A joint bench of Judges Ramesh Dhakal and Swikriti Parajuli at the Butwal bench of the Tulasipur High Court issued the ruling on Friday, overturning an earlier decision by the Rupandehi District Court that had allowed Lamichhane to be released on bail of Rs 10 million.
Following the High Court’s order, authorities are now set to take Lamichhane into custody as investigations proceed.
The initial bail order was issued by Judge Pralhad Kumar Yogi of the Rupandehi District Court.
However, a separate bench led by Judge Basishtha Kumar Ghimire had previously ruled for Lamichhane to be remanded in custody for further investigation, leading to conflicting judicial decisions.
The case was subsequently taken to the High Court after the government attorney appealed against the bail decision, while Lamichhane also filed a counter-appeal seeking to have the bail order annulled and to be released on a general date without detention.
With the High Court’s latest ruling, Lamichhane will remain in custody as authorities continue their investigation into the high-profile case.