Jan 23, Kathmandu- The closed-door hearing of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane in the savings embezzlement case of Butwal's Supreme Cooperative will begin today.

In the Rupandehi District Court, before Judge Prahlad Kumar Yogi, lawyers will debate whether to send Lamichhane to prison or allow him to face trial outside the court.

First, the government lawyers will argue. Then, after the lawyers for the victim's side, the co-operative, argue, it is the lawyers' turn for the defendant's side.

More than 12 government lawyers are preparing to argue in the closed-door hearing. Senior advocates Dinesh Tripathi and Surendra Bhandari will argue on behalf of the victim. Tripathi and Bhandari have also reached Rupandehi.

Senior advocate Narayan Dutt Kandel will argue on behalf of Rabi Lamichhane. He arrived in Bhairahawa on Wednesday, while legal practitioners including Narayan Ghimire and Sushil Panta will also argue. It is said that Butwal Bar Association President Govinda Marasini will also argue on behalf of Lamichhane from Rupandehi.

Lamichhane appeared in court on Wednesday in connection with the Supreme Cooperative's savings embezzlement case.

Judge Yogi had taken a statement from Lamichhane from 2 pm. After the statement was completed, Lamichhane was sent to his wife and lawyer to appear at 10 am on Thursday.

Earlier, Lamichhane was released on bail in the Kaski and Kathmandu courts after a closed-door hearing. The Kaski court had released Lamichhane on bail of Rs 6.5 million and the Kathmandu court had released him on bail of Rs 6 million.