Rabi Lamichhane, president of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has been embroiled in multiple controversies both in the U.S. and Nepal. In the U.S., three out of eight financial crime cases against him are still pending, including tax evasion and unpaid debts to companies. Despite these legal issues, Lamichhane returned to Nepal, hosted the show "Sidha Kura Prime Minister Sanga," and later "Sidha Kura Janata Sanga." His career took a turn when he was arrested in 2019 for allegedly abetting the suicide of journalist Shalikram Pudasaini, though he was later released on bail. He then co-founded Gorkha Media Network, which is now accused of misappropriating cooperative funds. Following the rise of independent political figures like Balen Shah and Harka Sampang, Lamichhane entered politics, forming RSP and securing 20 seats in Nepal's House of Representatives. However, his political career faced a setback when the Supreme Court annulled his citizenship and MP status, leading to the loss of his ministerial and party positions. He is also accused of misusing both Nepali and U.S. passports, with the passport misuse case still under investigation. Recently, Lamichhane was arrested again in connection with a cooperative fraud case involving the embezzlement of millions from Surya Darshan Cooperative, alongside Gorkha Media officials. Investigations continue into charges of fraud, organized crime, and money laundering, with police granted more time to investigate his role in the scandal.

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Timeline of Events:

1. 2018-2020 (U.S.):

   • Rabi Lamichhane faces eight financial crime charges in the U.S., three of which are still under consideration. These charges, filed in Maryland between 2018 and 2020, include tax evasion and non-payment to various financial institutions.
   • Two of the cases, classified as criminal non-traffic offenses, are serious. One was filed by Reinhart Foodservice on June 19, 2018, demanding $4,266 in damages. The other case was filed by Discovery Bankon January 25, 2019. Both cases are ongoing.

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2. 2018-2019 (Return to Nepal):

   • Amid his legal issues in the U.S., Lamichhane returns to Nepal. He is given the opportunity to host the "Sidha Kura Pradhanmantri Sanga" program on Nepal Television under the tenure of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. After Oli steps down, Prachanda, the new Prime Minister, removes Lamichhane from the program.
   • Lamichhane then starts hosting "Sidha Kura Janata Sanga" on a private television network.

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3. August 2019 (Arrest in Nepal):

   • While hosting his show, Lamichhane is arrested on August 15, 2019, under the charge of abetting the suicide of journalist Shalikram Pudasaini, who was found dead on August 17, 2019, in Chitwan. Pudasaini left a video before his death, accusing Lamichhane of forcing him to commit suicide.
   • Lamichhane is released on bail of NPR 500,000 after a Chitwan court hearing. Journalist Yubaraj Kandelis released on bail of NPR 300,000.

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4. Post-release (Media Ventures):

   • Lamichhane resumes his media career at News 24 and partners with GB Rai to establish Gorkha Media Network. However, the network is later revealed to have used funds saved by the public.

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5. 2022 (Political Career):

   • Inspired by the success of independent candidates Balendra Shah (Kathmandu) and Harka Sampang (Dharan) in the 2022 local elections, Lamichhane forms the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and contests the 2022 general elections, winning 20 seats in the House of Representatives.

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6. Citizenship Controversy:

   • Lamichhane's candidacy for the Chitwan-2 seat raises questions about his citizenship status. He renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2018 but had not properly restored his Nepali citizenship. The matter escalated to the Supreme Court, which nullified his position as a member of parliament and Home Minister.

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7. American Passport Issue:

   • Lamichhane had obtained a Nepali passport in 2016 while still holding U.S. citizenship, which led to further legal scrutiny. The Supreme Court is still deliberating on this issue, and the misuse of his passport may result in further legal consequences.

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8. Cooperative Fraud Scandal (Recent):

   • Lamichhane has been embroiled in a cooperative fraud scandal linked to Suryadarshan Cooperative in Pokhara, where 18,750 depositors lost their savings. Lamichhane is under investigation for embezzlingthese funds along with GB Rai and other associates.
   • The police have detained Chhabilal Joshi and Kumar Ramtel for this scandal, while Rai remains at large. Lamichhane is also being investigated under the Organized Crime and Money Laundering Acts.

This comprehensive timeline outlines Lamichhane's journey from his legal issues in the U.S. to his rise in politics and subsequent controversies in Nepal. His current entanglement in cooperative fraud adds further complexity to his already controversial public life.

Ravi Lamichhane