Six including Lamichhane released after posting bail

Gandaki: Six persons including Rabi Lamichhane who are alleged in the misappropriation of the funds of Pokhara-based Suryadarshan Cooperatives have been released after paying the amount of bail on Thursday.

Earlier, the Kaski District Court, Pokhara granted Lamichhane, the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party and former Home Minister, the bail of Rs. 6.5 million.

Along with Lamichhane, Chhabilal Joshi (Rs 8.8 million), Ram Bahadur Khanal (Rs. 1.5 million), Mina Gurung (Rs. 500,000) Arati Guring (Rs. 500,000), and Krishna Bahadur Gurung (Rs. 100,000) submitted the bail amount and became free.

The remaining accused in the scam, Leela Pachhai failed to deposit the bail amount (Rs. 3.7 million), warranting the continuity of her remand, the court said.

Lamichhane faces another case of cooperative funds in Kathmandu and it is said, he will present himself before the Kathmandu District Court on Friday.

Following the release in Kaski, he was handed over to the family. He was granted the bail following a 10-day hearing on whether to extend the remand for further investigation.

On December 22-last month- the District Attorney Office in Kaski had filed charge sheets against 44 people, including Lamichhane, in connection with the misappropriation of cooperative funds. To date, 63 individuals are facing charges in the case.