KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman and former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane was the target of a demonstration on Tuesday afternoon that was organized by victims of a Pokhara cooperative. The protest started as Lamichhane got to Pokhara for a state-level function that his party was hosting.

Lamichhane faced a turbulent reception at the Galaxy Banquet in Biruta, Pokhara, where the protestors greeted him with black flags and vocal dissent. The protest unfolded as he traveled from the airport to the event venue.

Protesters, who were mostly from the Suryadarshan Cooperative, gathered outside the event with signs and posters in hand. They charged Lamichhane with providing cover to those who had embezzled their savings.

The protesters expressed their frustration with what they perceived as political protection for those involved in the cooperative scandal. They were visibly angered over the mismanagement of their funds.

In response to the protest, Lamichhane admitted that his media organization, Gorkha Media Network, received illegal investments from the cooperative just a day before the demonstration. This revelation added fuel to the ongoing controversy.

Lamichhane was questioned by the parliamentary committee for nine hours concerning his involvement in the cooperative scam, during which time he was asked 51 questions. The intensity of the accusations made against him is reflected in this investigation.

Additionally, Kaski police have questioned Lamichhane in Kathmandu concerning allegations that the cooperative’s funds were redirected to Galaxy Television. Lamichhane, despite being the Managing Director of the media organization, denies any wrongdoing.

The demonstration draws attention to the escalating hostilities and popular discontent with how the cooperative issue has been handled. It emphasizes worries over the responsibility and openness of political figures engaged in these kinds of disputes.

Lamichhane has been under close scrutiny as a result of his involvement in the affair, which is a sign of more serious issues with corruption and subpar management in Nepal's cooperative sector. The public outcry and the ensuing probes have put his political standing in jeopardy.