By Our Reporter

Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister has been taken to Rupandehi for his alleged involvement in misusing the fund from Butwal’s Supreme Cooperatives.

He was taken Bhairahawa from Pokhara. He has been in police custody in Pokhara since October 18 on the charge of cooperative fraud.

 He gave a statement to the District Attorney's Office regarding allegations of cooperative fund fraud on Tuesday and Wednesday denying his involvement in the embezzlement of the money from Butwal’s Supreme Cooperative. However, records show that fund from the cooperatives was diverted to Gorkha Media where he was managing director and in his personal accounts.

Following the Kaski District Court’s decision on Sunday to extend Lamichhane’s detention by 13 days, police took him to Rupandehi for further interrogation.

The District Attorney's Office had prepared approximately 70 questions related to the Supreme Cooperative case.

Police are investigating allegations that Lamichhane embezzled funds from Butwal’s Supreme Cooperative, with millions of rupees reportedly funnelled into Gorkha Media Networks and various personal accounts.

The Parliamentary Investigation Committee reported that a total of Rs. 140 million from Supreme Cooperative was illegally invested in the Gorkha Media Network.

According to the report, Rs.19.6 million from the Butwal-based cooperative was transferred to Lamichhane’s account, Rs. 250 million to Chhabilal Banjade Joshi and Rs. 125 million to Gorkha Media Network under other individuals’ names.

Meanwhile, victims of the Supreme Cooperative protested in Bhairahawa upon Lamichhane’s arrival, demanding the return of their savings and punishment for the guilty involved.

Likewise, a group of RSP leaders and supporters also organised a rally in Bhairahawa.