Pokhara, January 9
The government prosecutor has concluded their arguments in the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case, which involves Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane.
Judge Nitiz Rai is expected to deliver a verdict today, deciding whether Lamichhane and other defendants will be remanded in custody or released on bail.
On Wednesday, the defense presented their arguments, followed by a rebuttal from the plaintiffs. Today’s rebuttal by the government prosecutor addressed issues raised by the defense.
Suraj Adhikari, spokesperson for the Kaski District Court, stated that with the completion of rebuttals by the High Government Attorney’s Office, Pokhara, and the District Government Attorney’s Office, a decision could be made today.
Heightened security measures around court premises
Following the proximity of the verdict date, security around Pokhara’s Shahid Chowk and the District Court premises has been tightened since Wednesday, with a significant deployment of police. Today, security will remain strict, with entry permitted only upon presenting official documents for government-related work.
Restricted areas have been designated from Rashtriya Bank Chowk to Ratna Chowk, the Land Revenue Office, and the road leading to the Chief Minister’s Office through Masbar. Vehicle movement has been halted, and citizens without valid reasons are being denied access.
The intensified security measures follow unexpected activities outside the court gate two days ago. On Wednesday, RSP supporters attempted to enter the court area but were stopped by police.
Verdict on key defendants expected
The court will decide whether Lamichhane, along with former DIG and ex-vice president of Gorkha Media, Chhabilal Joshi; Lamichhane’s aide Lila Pachhai; former MP and co-founder vice president Mina Gurung; founding member Krishna Bahadur Gurung (Mina’s father); and former treasurer Aarti Gurung will be held in custody or released on bail.
The Kaski District Attorney’s Office had filed a supplementary charge sheet on January 5 and an additional one on January 7, seeking damages of Rs 1.51 billion against 63 individuals involved in the scam.
