Attorney General Sabita Bhandari has granted approval to amend the indictments and withdraw the charges related to money laundering and organized crime against all defendants involved in the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case in Pokhara, including Rabi Lamichhane and GB Rai.
On Wednesday, Attorney General Bhandari had granted approval to amend the indictment to withdraw the charges of money laundering and organized crime brought against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Lamichhane during the investigation of Suryadarshan Savings and Credit Cooperative. On Friday, she stated that she has decided to amend the indictment so that the money laundering charges against all other defendants, including GB Rai, are withdrawn.
"The decision to grant approval for amendment was made because the charges of money laundering and organized crime were excessive for those accused of the Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud," Bhandari told Setopati.
We asked her, "So, has the indictment for GB Rai also been amended?" She replied, "Yes." After saying this, she hung up the phone, stating, "I am currently at a program, let's talk later."
We also spoke with Spokesperson at the Office of the Attorney General Achyut Mani Neupane regarding this matter. "Has the decision been made to approve the amendment of the money laundering cases for other defendants besides Rabi Lamichhane as well?" we asked spokesperson Neupane. He replied that he knew nothing about the matter.
There has been widespread criticism since Wednesday after the approval was granted to amend Lamichhane's case and withdraw the money laundering and organized crime charges. The Supreme Court was moved against the attorney general's decision on Friday. The Nepal Bar Association has also stated that the decision should be withdrawn. Despite this, Attorney General Bhandari has taken the decision to withdraw two types of offenses in the cooperative fraud case.
GB Rai is also linked to the cooperative fraud case involving Rabi Lamichhane. By withdrawing the charges against everyone else, his charges are naturally withdrawn as well. An Interpol 'Red Corner Notice' is currently issued against GB Rai, who is presently absconding.
