Kathmandu – The detention hearing for Rabi Lamichhane, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has concluded in Kathmandu District Court. While Lamichhane’s defense team wrapped up their arguments, the plaintiff's side is yet to complete theirs.

Lamichhane, who has been in police custody since Sunday, attended the court this morning as the detention hearing resumed. The session concluded earlier today, and the court's verdict is expected shortly. A large crowd has gathered outside the court in anticipation.

The hearing was conducted in the single bench of Judge Madhav Prasad Adhikari. The court had previously extended Lamichhane’s custody on Sunday and Monday, citing incomplete proceedings.

Meanwhile, Lamichhane’s supporters continue to stage daily demonstrations outside the court premises, chanting slogans in his favor. Before being taken back to police custody, Lamichhane has been seen saluting his supporters.

Lamichhane was arrested on November 18 (Kartik 2) in connection with the Surya Darshan Cooperative fraud case. After spending 84 days in custody, he was released last Thursday upon posting bail of NPR 6.5 million. Despite being required to appear at the Kathmandu District Court on Friday, Lamichhane cited time constraints and only presented himself on Sunday. He has remained in custody in Kathmandu for the last three days.

The case also involves allegations of embezzlement in the Swarnalakshmi Multipurpose Cooperative based in Kalimati. Lamichhane is among 39 individuals charged in a complaint filed by the District Police Office, Kathmandu. The public prosecutor’s office subsequently registered the case on January 5 (Poush 21).

The accused, including Lamichhane, are alleged to have misappropriated NPR 1.19 billion from 690 depositors in the cooperative scheme. The court’s imminent decision will determine whether Lamichhane remains in custody or is released on bail.