KATHMANDU: The Kaski District Court has prolonged the remand of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane for a further 15 days in order to complete the investigation into his possible involvement in a cooperative fraud case. The panel that opted to prolong his confinement was led by Judge Bhimlal Belbase, who approved the longer remand period to enable the ongoing inquiry.

After his first 13-day remand concluded, Lamichhane, who had been apprehended in Kathmandu, was taken to the district court. His detention while investigators continue their work is guaranteed by the court's approval.

The accusations against Lamichhane include money laundering, organized crime, and joint fraud. Authorities are looking into his suspected participation in the embezzlement of money from the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperative.

Lamichhane is accused by investigators of embezzling the cooperative's money and using it for his Kathmandu-based business, Gorkha Media Pvt. Ltd. The case has garnered a lot of interest since, if found guilty, Lamichhane might face harsh legal repercussions.

The gravity of the investigation and the need for more research into the accusations against him are reflected in the extension of his remand.