14th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a dramatic turn of events, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane has returned to Nakkhu Prison in Lalitpur. His return, following a controversial departure, has once again placed him at the center of Nepal’s political and legal discourse.
Rabi Lamichhane Returns Nakkhu Prison
This delves into the details of his return, the context surrounding his initial exit, and the potential implications for both his political career and the ongoing cooperative fraud case.
The Controversy: Lamichhane’s Unsanctioned Exit
Rabi Lamichhane, who is currently under judicial custody for his alleged involvement in a cooperative fraud case, left Nakkhu Prison on September 9. His stated reason for leaving was a security concern stemming from the ongoing Gen Z protests. However, his departure without a court order ignited a firestorm of criticism. Legal experts and political opponents questioned the legality of his release, with many pointing out that such an act undermines the judicial process. Prison officials further complicated the matter by labeling his release letter as forged and issuing a public demand for the return of all escaped inmates, including Lamichhane.
A Strategic Re-entry: Hope Under New Leadership
On Saturday, Lamichhane addressed the public via a video message, announcing his decision to return to prison. He framed his return not as a surrender, but as an act of hope under the country’s new leadership. This move is seen by many as a strategic attempt to regain public trust and demonstrate his commitment to the rule of law. By voluntarily returning, he aims to counter the narrative that he is attempting to evade justice and instead project an image of a leader who is willing to face the legal consequences.
Police and Prison Officials Confirm his Return
Following his video message, police confirmed that Lamichhane had indeed returned to Nakkhu Prison. This confirmation puts an end to the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts and brings the focus back to the ongoing legal proceedings. However, the initial confusion and conflicting statements from prison officials regarding his forged release letter highlight a concerning lack of institutional coordination and oversight.
What’s Next for Rabi Lamichhane and the RSP?
Rabi Lamichhane’s return to prison marks a new chapter in his political journey. While his supporters view this as a brave and principled stand, his critics remain skeptical. The cooperative fraud case is far from over, and the legal challenges ahead are significant. For the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the situation presents a major test of leadership and resilience. The party will need to navigate the political fallout and maintain its public image while its president remains in judicial custody.
Conclusion
Rabi Lamichhane’s controversial departure and subsequent voluntary return to Nakkhu Prison have added a new layer of complexity to the cooperative fraud case. While his re-entry may be a strategic move to restore his public image, the legal and political challenges ahead are immense. The coming days will be crucial in determining the impact of these events on his political future and the future of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
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