Conclusion of Parliamentary Investigation Special Committee: Embezzlement of NPR 650 Million from Cooperatives

The Parliamentary Investigation Special Committee has concluded that NPR 650 million has been embezzled at Gorkha Media, involving funds from various cooperatives. The committee has recommended legal action against four individuals, including the then Managing Director of Gorkha Media, Rabi Lamichhane.

Total Amount of Embezzlement:

• According to the committee, NPR 650 million has been embezzled from the cooperatives, including Surya Darshan in Pokhara, Supreme in Butwal, Swarnalaxmi in Kathmandu, Sahara in Chitwan, and Sano Paila in Birgunj, into Gorkha Media Network.

Recommendation for Legal Action:

• The committee has recommended that legal action be taken against four individuals, including Rabi Lamichhane, the former Managing Director of Gorkha Media, in accordance with the prevailing law.

Transactions from Cooperatives to Gorkha Media:

• The committee found that out of seven cooperatives operated by the GB Rai group, transactions worth NPR 2.56 billion were made with Gorkha Media from five of these cooperatives.

Recommendation for Action Against Other Cooperatives:

• Legal action has also been recommended against Image Saving and Credit Cooperative Limited, Samanata Saving and Credit Cooperative, Sumeru Saving and Credit Cooperative Limited, and IME Cooperatives, as per the law.

Recommendation to the Government:

• The committee has recommended that the Nepal Government take necessary actions to bring all those involved in illegal activities, including the directors of cooperatives and those involved in decision-making processes, to justice through the relevant agencies.

The Parliamentary Investigation Special Committee has concluded that there was embezzlement of cooperative funds at Gorkha Media and recommended legal action against those involved. This underscores the need for improved transparency and accountability in handling cooperative funds.