The Kaski District Court on Sunday, November 10, granted police the permission to extend the custody of Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, for an additional 13 days.
“A single bench of Justice Nawaraj Dahal approved the extension of Lamichhane’s detention,” Suraj Adhikari, the court's Information Officer, told NBA.
Lamichhane, who was arrested on October 18 from his party office in Banasthali, Kathmandu, faces allegations related to the misuse of cooperative funds.
Read: Recovery of Funds from Cooperatives Unlikely as their Liabilities Exceed Assets
In addition to the cooperative fraud charges, Lamichhane has also been accused of money laundering and involvement in organised crime.
This marks the third extension of Lamichhane's custody. Initially, he was remanded for six days starting October 18 . His detention was then extended by a week on October 24, and 10-days until Saturday, November 9.
Under current regulations, Lamichhane’s custody can be extended up to 60 days for organised crime charges. However, the former deputy prime minister and home minister can be held in custody for 90 days for investigations into money laundering allegations.
Meanwhile, supporters of Lamichhane continue to stage protests, especially in Pokhara, against his detention, claiming it to be politically motivated.
Additionally, the District Court Rupandehi has also issued an arrest warrant for Lamichhane.
