Lamichhane Says His Release from Nakkhu Prison Was Coordinated, Not an Escape

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) president Rabi Lamichhane has claimed that his departure from Nakkhu Prison during the Gen Z protests in September was carried out with police coordination, not as an escape.

Appearing before the Gauri Bahadur Karki-led inquiry commission on Wednesday, Lamichhane said he was released on September 9 amid rising tension outside the prison, citing security concerns. His wife, Nikita Poudel, accompanied him with relevant documents to support his statement.

Former jailer Satyaraj Joshi also told the commission that the release occurred under pressure from then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, as crowds demanding Lamichhane’s release surrounded the prison.

The commission, investigating the violent protests that left 76 people dead, is still seeking full details from the Nepal Police Headquarters on personnel deployment during the unrest. Police Chief Chandrakuber Khapung said delays were due to coordination issues, not lack of cooperation.

The inquiry body is also preparing to summon RSP leaders Manish Jha, Hari Dhakal, and Bipin Acharya, accused of fuelling the crowd outside Nakkhu. The commission’s final report, expected within three months, will determine the legality of Lamichhane’s release and the accountability of security officials involved.