Kathmandu. Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Ravi Lamichhane, is on the brink of facing jail time as allegations of financial misconduct and mismanagement within Gorkha Media Pvt. Ltd. gain traction. Following the conclusion of the pretrial hearings, there is a high probability that Lamichhane could be detained pending further investigation. He is accused of extravagant spending and a lack of financial transparency in managing the media company.

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₹650 Million Investment and Excessive Spending

Lamichhane reportedly invested an enormous sum of ₹650 million in setting up Gorkha Media’s production facilities. Further scrutiny revealed substantial payouts to renowned personalities for producing programs under the company's banner:

• Deepak Raj Giri: He was allegedly paid ₹1 million per episode for producing a program similar to Crime Patrol.
• Bijay Kumar Pandey: He reportedly received ₹200,000 per episode for his contributions.
• Monthly Expenditure: Gorkha Media’s operations incurred a monthly expense of ₹12 million, a figure deemed unusually high for its scale.

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Payments to His Own Production House

One of the most contentious issues is Lamichhane’s alleged practice of awarding production contracts to his own production house and paying hefty amounts. Critics argue that this self-dealing raises serious questions about conflicts of interest and financial ethics.

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Pretrial Hearings and the Likelihood of Jail

With the pretrial phase nearing its end, legal experts suggest that the allegations against Lamichhane could lead to his incarceration. If proven guilty, the charges of financial irregularities, mismanagement, and extravagant spending could significantly damage his political career and public image.

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Impact on Lamichhane’s Political Future

The allegations against Lamichhane have not only cast a shadow over his leadership in the RSP but also triggered dissatisfaction among party members. The accusations of financial misconduct within Gorkha Media are a major setback, potentially eroding trust among his supporters and the general public.

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Conclusion

If the charges against Ravi Lamichhane are substantiated, he faces severe legal consequences, including potential imprisonment. This controversy is poised to leave a lasting impact on Nepal’s media and political landscape. For now, all eyes remain on the judiciary as it prepares to deliver a crucial verdict in this high-profile case.

Ravi Lamichhane