Kathmandu: Nepal Police apprehended approximately 12 students who staged a protest outside the country's parliament, calling for the resignation of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.
On Friday afternoon, members of the Nepal Student Union (NSU) rallied, demanding the establishment of a parliamentary committee to investigate a cooperative fraud scandal allegedly involving Lamichhane. The student wing of the opposition Nepali Congress, NSU, vociferously chanted slogans such as "Prosecute the cooperative fraud," "Justice for cooperative victims," and "Where is GB Rai?" as law enforcement officers detained them.
"We have arrested a total of 11 protestors demonstrating in front of parliament, a restricted zone," stated Nawaraj Adhikari, Spokesperson at District Police Range, speaking to ANI over the phone.
Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress persisted with their protest within parliament, pushing for the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee to delve into the cooperative fraud allegations against Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane.
Tensions escalated on Thursday as a clash erupted between opposition and ruling alliance lawmakers in the lower house of Nepal parliament, spurred by the same issue.
Home Minister Lamichhane stands accused of involvement in a cooperative fraud scheme that swindled millions of rupees from savers in collusion with others. While Lamichhane vehemently denies the allegations, evidence implicating him in the fraud has emerged during ongoing investigations.
Prior to his political career in the last election, Lamichhane had collaborated with GB Rai, one of the prime suspects in the multi-million rupee fraud, who is currently evading authorities with the police intensifying their search for him.
An investigative report by Pokhara Metropolis concerning the alleged cooperative fraud was recently concluded and submitted to the Police. Hundreds of complaints naming Lamichhane as a key figure in the scam have been filed.
Accusations have surfaced against Lamichhane for abusing his authority to transfer senior police personnel involved in the investigation. Additionally, he faces allegations of coercion and undue influence on the Office of the Attorney General to absolve him of any wrongdoing regarding the cooperative fraud.
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