KATHMANDU, July 12: Former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal has remarked that the state is exercising excessive force against Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane.
Speaking to a group of journalists upon returning from an official visit to China on Saturday, Khanal said that while he cannot confirm whether Lamichhane is entirely without fault, the state’s actions appear excessive.
“We trust journalist Rabi Lamichhane but not Home Minister Rabi...

"I can't say for certain that Rabi Lamichhane hasn't made any mistakes," Khanal stated, "But I do feel the state is being heavy-handed under the pretext of one charge or another."
Lamichhane is currently in custody for investigation following a court order in connection with a cooperative fraud case.