Dillydallying over bringing Rabi Lamichhane to Kathmandu

Kathmandu, November 26 — Despite having been granted a 15-day remand by the court, Rabi Lamichhane, the president of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has still not been brought to Kathmandu after three days.

Although he was scheduled to be brought to Kathmandu on Tuesday, he is still being held in the custody of the Kaski District Police Office. On November 24, Kaski Police obtained a court remand to hold him for an additional 15 days.

Lamichhane is facing allegations of financial misappropriation involving the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued by the Kathmandu District Court. A senior police officer told Ratopati that due to technical reasons, they were unable to bring him to Kathmandu on Tuesday. The officer stated, "It appears that more time will be required to bring him to Kathmandu."

RSP's joint treasurer, Deepak Bohara, who is close to Lamichhane, wrote on social media, stating, "The Kaski police have decided to send Ravi to Kathmandu either tomorrow evening or Thursday morning."

SSP Basanta Rajaure of the Kathmandu District Police Range is on leave on Wednesday, and a senior officer at the Police Headquarters indicated that Lamichhane could be brought to Kathmandu by Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, former DIG  Chhabilal Joshi, who had been questioned regarding the financial misappropriation of the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative, was sent back to Pokhara after his statement. Investigating officers guess that the delay in bringing Lamichhane to Kathmandu could be due to the planned protests by RSP in the capital.