Kathmandu [Nepal], October 18 (HBTV): A team from the Central Investigation Bureau on Friday arrested former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane on charges of organized crime and misappropriation of cooperative funds. 

Lamichhane, the chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party, now in opposition who rose to power through the last general election was arrested as he stepped out from the party office in Kathmandu. The police, before formally arresting him on the charges had handed him over the arrest warrant issued by the Kaski District Court where he was investigated for embezzlement of cooperative frauds.

Addressing dozens of supporters, Lamichhane defended himself and blamed the new alliance forged under the Prime Ministership of KP Sharma Oli orchestrating a plot against him to remain longer in power. 

"If I had made compromises as them, we would not have faced such a problem. But we didn't favour any of the compromises. I can understand the compelling situation of the party, I received the information about an agreement signed on the day when the coalition changed that, Rabi (Lamichhane) will be sent to jail very soon. I am not worried about anything, I have got enough as a person, the expectation and the trust which is being attacked, we will face it, I am ready to face all the legal consequences- would respect the legislative procedures but would call on everyone to fight against this political prejudice," Lamichhane called out to his supporters. 

Soon after the arrest, Lamichhane was taken to the Pokhara to face trial as the case was filed in Kaski district police. The team led by Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati has been assigned to take him to Pokhara via road. 

(ANI)