Rabi Lamichhane, former deputy prime minister of Nepal, speaks to the media as he appeared earlier than the Kaski district courtroom following his arrest on fees of fraud and arranged crime, in Pokhara on October 20, 2024. | Photograph credit score: AFP
Nepalese police fired tear fuel Sunday (Oct. 20, 2024) at 1000’s of protesters loyal to a former deputy prime minister as soon as thought-about a rising political star, as he appeared in courtroom on fees his supporters say are motivated insurance policies.
Rabi Lamichhane faces fraud and racketeering fees associated to the alleged embezzlement of funds from a monetary cooperative earlier than his entry into politics, a case that has attracted nationwide consideration.
Lamichhane rejects the allegations, which his indignant supporters say have been false.
Mr. Lamichhane is well-known for his profession as a tv presenter within the Himalayan Republicmaking a reputation for himself as an anti-corruption crusader by means of aggressive interviews with public officers.
He rose to political energy in November 2022 along with his Rastriya Swatantra Get together benefiting from widespread discontent in opposition to Nepal’s getting older political management, changing into deputy prime minister and residential minister.
However he was fired in January 2023, after Nepal’s prime courtroom barred him from workplace for failing to regain citizenship after renouncing his U.S. passport.
He was arrested within the capital Kathmandu on Friday (18 October 2024) and transferred to town of Pokhara, the place he remained in custody for six extra days, “for additional investigation”, the District Courtroom info officer stated. by Kaski, Suraj Adhikari. .
Police stated 1000’s of individuals took half in protests on Sunday (Oct 20, 2024), with baton-wielding officers blockading areas across the district courtroom and spraying crowds with water cannon and tear fuel.
The protesters chanted slogans in opposition to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, alleging that the costs in opposition to Mr Lamichhane have been politically motivated.
He Kathmandu Submit Newspaper reported {that a} parliamentary committee had accused Mr. Lamichhane of embezzling hundreds of thousands of rupees from a number of cooperatives whereas heading the Gorkha Media Communityearlier than his entry into politics.
“We’ve got been supporting the investigation, however it is a political vendetta to destroy a brand new get together that’s working for the betterment of the folks,” stated Toshima Karki, a member of the RSP get together.
“They suppose they’ll destroy our get together by attacking a person, that’s mistaken,” he added. “We’re holding a peaceable protest and are dedicated to preventing this injustice.”
Revealed – October 20, 2024 10:59 pm IST