Kathmandu, November 18
Kumar Ramtel, implicated in the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative fraud case, has been brought to Kathmandu for questioning. The District Police Office in Bhadrakali, Kathmandu, transferred him from Pokhara last Saturday to proceed with the investigation.
Ramtel, also the treasurer of Surya Darshan Cooperative in Pokhara, was arrested on September 11 and is currently in custody as part of a separate cooperative fraud investigation. Sources indicate that his statement is in its final stages, and he may be returned to Pokhara shortly.
Following Ramtel’s interrogation, police plan to summon Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and former Home Minister, along with former DIG Chhabi Lal Joshi, to Kathmandu for questioning. Arrest warrants for Lamichhane and Joshi were issued by Kathmandu District Court on Sunday.
The Swarnalaxmi Cooperative fraud case, which began with complaints filed at the Kalimati Police Circle, involves 24 suspects, including the cooperative’s chairman, Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai. Police estimate a misappropriation of Rs 1.11 billion, affecting 645 depositors.
Investigations have intensified as files from Kalimati Police have been moved to the District Police Office for further action.
