Lamichhane implicated in cooperative fund scandal

Kathmandu, September 16 — The parliamentary investigation committee, led by CPN-UML MP Surya Bahadur Thapa, has prepared a report recommending action against individuals involved in cooperative fraud, including RSP President Rabi Lamichhane. The report is set to be submitted to the parliament on Monday after being signed by the members.

One committee member stated that Lamichhane has been found guilty in the investigation. The inquiry revealed that during the expenditure of funds received by Gorkha Media Network, where Lamichhane served as managing director, his signature was present, confirming his involvement in the misappropriation of funds.

The committee also discovered that Gorkha Media Company’s Chairman Giten Babu (GB) Rai, Managing Director Lamichhane, and Director Chhabilal Joshi had operated a joint account in two banks, completing KYC forms and signing checks.

The committee reported, “Among 40 cooperatives, none had embezzled less than one billion rupees. GB Rai’s embezzlement amounts to 8 billion rupees, Kedar Nath Sharma’s 33 billion rupees, and Sumeru’s 15 billion rupees.” A member added, “Lamichhane’s involvement in spending money from various cooperatives at Gorkha Media Network was evident.”

The committee also found that GB Rai was responsible for bringing money through cooperatives to Gorkha Media. “During Rabi’s 14 months of employment, 650 million rupees were spent at Gorkha Media, with signatures from Rabi. GB signed a check for 400,000 rupees,” another committee member told Ratopati. “Since Rabi was also the managing director of Gorkha Media Network, his involvement has been confirmed.”

The committee noted that Rabi, GB, and Chhabi were involved in illegal shareholding, collecting money, and issuing vouchers. “The committee has agreed to recommend legal action against those involved,” said a member.