On October 18, 2024, Rabi Lamichhane, a well-known Nepali politician and the president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), was arrested in connection with a cooperative scandal. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) apprehended Lamichhane from the party office in Kathmandu following an order from the Kaski District Court. He is accused of being involved in financial irregularities amounting to NPR 1.35 billion, linked to Surya Darshan Cooperative and other cooperative institutions.

Lamichhane’s political journey has been quite remarkable. He had previously held U.S. citizenship and lived in America for some time. After returning to Nepal, he entered the media industry without officially reacquiring his Nepali citizenship. He gained widespread public support as the host of the popular TV show "Sidha Kura Janata Sanga," which eventually led him toward politics.

However, his entry into politics also brought legal challenges. In 2022, after a dual citizenship controversy surfaced, Lamichhane had to resign from his positions as Home Minister and Member of Parliament. Later, he reacquired his Nepali citizenship and won the election again. Now, he is caught in the cooperative scandal, which has become a significant issue of financial misconduct.

The main allegations against Lamichhane center around the Surya Darshan Cooperative and other institutions, where large-scale financial misuse is said to have occurred, defrauding major investors. The scandal, valued at around NPR 1.35 billion, has reportedly affected the financial stability of many ordinary citizens.

The Kaski District Court had issued arrest warrants for 14 individuals, including Lamichhane and other cooperative heads and associates. They are accused not only of financial irregularities but also of involvement in organized crime.

Following his arrest, Lamichhane expressed his dissatisfaction on social media, harshly criticizing the government and describing it as “dead.” He has portrayed the arrest as a politically motivated vendetta. His supporters have echoed this sentiment, accusing the government of unfair treatment.

However, government officials have stated that the case is purely legal, and the investigation is being carried out based on recommendations from the Special Investigation Committee of Parliament. Pressure to take legal action against Lamichhane increased after some of his close associates, including Chhabilal Joshi and other officials, were implicated in the scandal.

Lamichhane has been taken to Kaski District, where further legal proceedings will continue. The court will summon him and other involved parties in the coming days for further investigation. This scandal has caused a significant stir in Nepal’s cooperative sector and politics, raising serious questions about Lamichhane’s political future.

This case has not only shaken public trust in cooperative management but also signaled that high-profile political leaders like Lamichhane can be held legally accountable in Nepal.

Ravi Lamichhane