Case filed against 262 in Baraha Cooperative fraud

By Nisha Rai,Dharan, Mar. 4: A case has been filed against 262 individuals in court for embezzlement and misuse of funds of the Baraha Savings and Credit Cooperative 

Limited, Dharan.

The Sunsari District Government Attorney’s Office filed the case last Thursday at the Sunsari District Court, listing cooperative executives, employees, and loan defaulters 

as defendants. 

Superintendent of Police (SP) Suman Kumar Timalsina of the Sunsari District Police Office confirmed the case, stating that Baraha Cooperative is accused of defrauding the public of more than Rs. 10.73 billion.

Among those accused, 35 individuals face prosecution under the Organised Crime Control-Act 2013 and the Cooperative Act-2017, while 222 people, including 210 loan defaulters, have been charged under the Cooperative Act-2017. Additionally, five companies have been listed as defendants with the seizure of their property equivalent to the embezzlement.

Following complaints from citizens regarding misappropriation and misuse of savings, the Sunsari District Police Office, under the command of Inspector Dinesh Adhikari, conducted an investigation. 

The investigation concluded that a total of Rs. 10.73 billion had been embezzled.

Based on the report, 210 loan defaulters have been accused under Sections 122(6), (F), and (H) and (J) of the Cooperative Act-2017, with prosecution under Section 124 (1) demanding penalties.

High-ranking officials and executives of Baraha Cooperative are also facing legal action under the Cooperative Act-2017 and the Organised Crime Control Act-2013.

Notable names in the case include Shiva Kumar Bishwakarma (Lamichhane), chairman of Baraha Group of Companies; his sister Mandira Lamichhane; cooperative chairman Man Bahadur Bishwakarma; Hari Kumar Dhamala (Bishwakarma); Prakash Lamgade; Shubharaj Khati; Bikash Lamgade; Suresh BK; Shovraj (aka Ambar Bahadur Bishwakarma); Rabi Portel; Purna Bahadur Kalikote (aka Purna Kumar Bishwakarma); Rina Rai (Lamichhane); Bhojman Lamgade; Ganga Bahadur Kalikote; Sharan Bishwakarma; Bikash (aka Bikash Gajmer); Lal Bahadur Bishwakarma; Krishna (aka Ambar Prasad Khati); Sudin BK; Kumar Dutaraj (aka Kumar BK); Anup Kumar Khadgi; Bishnu Kumari Tuladhar; Ahsmita Bhandari; 

and Datenji Sherpa.

According to SP Timalsina, a total of 281 complaints have been registered by 4,168 victims. Since victims are also located outside Dharan, including abroad, the number is expected to rise. 

Statements of arrested individuals began in court on Sunday. Out of the accused, only 13 have been arrested so far, while the rest remain at large.

Additionally, some loan recipients have complained that they have already repaid their loans but still appear on the defaulter’s list. 

SP Timalsina advised such individuals to present their repayment receipts in court for verification.