Tension, questions, and smiles: Rabi Lamichhane’s day in court

Pokhara, December 17 — There was no long debate in court as no charges had been filed. Lawyers representing Rabi Lamichhane reiterated the previous argument that he should not be kept in custody, while the victim and government lawyers argued that an extension was necessary as they had just received the investigation report. Although the debate was brief, there was a small but interesting exchange between Rabi and the judge.

Judge: How is your health? Why didn’t you agree to stay in the hospital?

Rabi: My health is fine, Your Honor. There is no need for me to stay in the hospital.

Judge: Do you have anything to say?

Rabi: One question has always remained unanswered, Your Honor. What evidence was obtained after I was detained? If I hadn’t been detained, what evidence might have been lost? I don’t understand that.

Judge: (smiling) Your experience will be helpful later. For now, the detention period must be extended.

Rabi: Even if the detention is extended, Your Honor, your smile brings relief.

Following this exchange, the court extended the detention of Rabi Lamichhane and four others held in the Kaski police custody for an additional four days. The police had submitted the investigation report to the government attorney's office on Monday.

Since the extension was granted, the government attorney is required to file charges by the time the detention period ends.

The police have named 51 individuals as defendants in the case of fraud involving Surya Darshan Cooperative, and they have claimed a compensation amount of 1.51 billion Nepali Rupees. Based on the report, the government attorney's office will make a decision.