KATHMANDU, Nepal — Nepali police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters on Sunday as former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane appeared in court on charges of fraud and organized crime. The case, which has captivated national attention, has been decried by his supporters as politically motivated.
Lamichhane, once seen as a rising political figure, is facing allegations of embezzling funds from a financial cooperative before his entry into politics. His supporters, loyal to his Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), argue that the charges were trumped up to dismantle his political career. Lamichhane, a former television host known for his outspoken anti-corruption stance, denies the accusations.
The protests erupted as Lamichhane was transferred to the city of Pokhara following his arrest in Kathmandu on Friday. He was remanded in custody for six more days for further investigation, according to Kaski District Court information officer Suraj Adhikari.
Police reported that thousands of protesters gathered around the district court, chanting slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and accusing the government of orchestrating the charges to silence Lamichhane. Riot police, armed with batons, blocked off key areas and deployed tear gas and water cannons to control the crowds.
The unrest comes after Lamichhane’s swift political ascent. He gained prominence as a television personality in Nepal, known for conducting aggressive interviews with public officials and championing anti-corruption measures. In November 2022, Lamichhane and his Rastriya Swatantra Party capitalized on growing public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s established political leadership, securing him the role of deputy premier and interior minister.
However, his political career was abruptly halted in January 2023 when Nepal’s Supreme Court barred him from office. The court ruled that Lamichhane had failed to reapply for Nepali citizenship after renouncing his U.S. passport, leading to his dismissal from his ministerial roles.
The charges of embezzlement relate to Lamichhane’s time running the Gorkha Media Network, with reports claiming that he siphoned millions of rupees from several financial cooperatives. The accusations surfaced after a parliamentary committee launched an investigation into his past business dealings.
Supporters of Lamichhane insist that the case is part of a political conspiracy. “We have been supporting the investigation, but this is a political vendetta to finish a new party that is working for the betterment of the people,” said RSP member Toshima Karki. “They think they can finish our party by attacking an individual, but this is wrong.”
Despite the police crackdown, Karki vowed that the protests would continue. “We are committed to fighting against this injustice,” she added.
As tensions rise, the case against Lamichhane has intensified political divisions in Nepal, with many watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.
