Rabi Lamichhane and the Cooperative Scandal Shaking Nepal

The rise of a no-nonsense questioner

Rabi Lamichhane began his career as a television presenter, gaining widespread recognition for his investigative journalism. His program, "Sidha Kura Janata Sanga," became a platform where he addressed public problems and held authorities accountable. His direct approach and commitment to social issues resonated with many Nepali people bringing him into the national spotlight.

The first arrest

On January 25, 2019, Lamichhane was arrested in connection with the suicide of journalist Shalikram Pudasaini. The arrest sparked nationwide protests, with supporters demanding his release and questioning the motives behind the detention.

Following his arrest, Lamichhane faced legal proceedings that garnered significant media attention. After spending a few days in custody, he was released on bail. The court cited insufficient evidence to detain him further, but the investigation continued. 

Political ambitions

In the aftermath of the controversy, Rabi Lamichhane transitioned into politics, with the founding of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in 2022. In the 2022 general elections, RSP emerged as the fourth largest party in the House of Representatives (HoR), with Lamichhane himself winning a seat from Chitwan-2 constituency.

Following this success, Lamichhane was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs in the coalition government. His tenure focused on law enforcement reforms and anti-corruption measures. However, his time in office was short-lived due to emerging controversies.

Citizenship controversy

In early 2023, questions arose regarding Lamichhane's citizenship status. It was revealed that he had acquired US citizenship but had not properly renounced it before obtaining a Nepali passport. The Supreme Court ruled that his Nepali citizenship was invalid, leading to his removal from both the ministerial position and his parliamentary seat.

However, after addressing the citizenship issues, Lamichhane contested the by-election in Chitwan-2 in April 2023. He won the seat with a significant margin, marking his return to the HoR. 

Recent Challenges

In recent times, Lamichhane faces criticism over various issues, including internal party disputes and policy decisions. He faced a serious allegation in a cooperative scandal involving misuse of billions of rupees from institutions like Surya darshan and Swarnalaxmi Savings. The depositors' savings were allegedly funneled into Galaxy 4K TV and other ventures linked to Rabi. He has been arrested, released on bail, and re-arrested following court decisions, with legal cases filed in multiple districts. Alongside this, his foundation also faces accusations of financial mismanagement related to funds collected for a hospital project in Kalikot. These controversies have damaged his public image and raised questions about political integrity, though he maintains his innocence and claims he is being targeted unfairly.

This series aims to provide an objective overview of Rabi Lamichhane's journey, highlighting key events and developments. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.