Court order on Rabi Lamichhane's case likely today

By Phadindra Adhikari, Lekhnath, Jan.9: The hearing on whether to continue remand for investigation against seven defendants, including Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson and former Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane, has reached the final stage in connection with misappropriating the savings amount of Pokhara-based Suryadarshan Cooperative at the Kaski District Court.   

A case was filed against 44 people including former Home Minister Lamichhane at the Kaski District Court on December 22.

The hearing against seven defendants from the government side, who are now in the custody of District Police Office Kaski, ended on Wednesday. 

The counter-debate started on Wednesday itself. On Wednesday, the lawyers of the government side of the Cooperative answered the questions raised by the lawyers of the defendant side.

There will be a counter-argument on behalf of the public prosecutor on Thursday. 

According to Court Registrar Rajan Khanal, Lamichhane’s legal team's arguments concluded on Tuesday, and the hearing for the other defendants commenced thereafter. 

On Monday and Tuesday, senior advocates Sushil Kumar Pant, Raman Kumar Shrestha, Surendra Thapa, and others argued on behalf of Lamichhane.

Once the defense concludes its arguments, the prosecution will be allowed to present its rebuttal.

"There will be a counterargument on behalf of the complainant on Wednesday, and on Thursday, there will be a counterargument on behalf of the public prosecutor," said Court Registrar Rajan Khanal. The bench can deliver the order today, if not today, then on Friday.

District Judge Nitij Rai is presiding over the hearing, which includes notable defendants including Rabi Lamichhane, RSP Chairperson and former Home Minister, along with seven others.

The court's decision following the detention hearing will determine whether the defendants will be remanded in custody for further investigation or released on bail while the investigation continues.