Kathmandu: Rabi Lamichhane, the chairman of the National Independent Party (Raswap), was presented in the Kaski District Court today as part of an investigation into a cooperative fraud and organized crime case linked to the Surya Darshan Savings and Credit Cooperative Limited in Pokhara.
Lamichhane, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was arrested from the party office in Kathmandu on Friday and taken to Pokhara shortly after midnight. Due to the public holiday yesterday, he was brought to court today.
Protesters, including victims of the cooperative fraud and Lamichhane’s supporters, demonstrated in Pokhara today. Tensions escalated when supporters broke through a police-imposed ban on gatherings, leading to a brief clash with law enforcement.
In anticipation of demonstrations from both sides, the district administration declared certain areas in Kaski as restricted zones. Chief District Officer Bharatmani Pandey announced the restrictions around Sahid Chowk and Gaighrapatan, effective from 11:45 AM until further notice.
The designated restricted area around Sahid Chowk includes the vicinity stretching east to Bais Chowk, west to Fistel Chowk, north to the Land Revenue Office, and south to Mustang Chowk. Additionally, the area around Gaighrapatan is restricted from Palikhe Chowk to Navil Secondary School.
The administration has warned that gatherings of more than five individuals in these areas will result in legal action. Chief District Officer Pandey has urged all parties to maintain calm, and security measures have been heightened in the region.