The Kaski District Court has concluded the process of recording statements of the seven individuals accused in the high-profile Suryadarshan Cooperative fraud case. The bench of Judge Nitij Rai heard testimonies from Chhabilal Joshi, Lila Pachhai, Rabi Lamichhane, Ram Bahadur Khanal, Krishna Bahadur Gurung, Mina Gurung, and Aarti Gurung, with Aarti’s statement giving ending on Tuesday.

The accused face allegations of defrauding the cooperative of Rs1.51 billion. The District Attorney’s Office has sought judicial custody for all seven suspects, citing the gravity of the charges. Legal representatives for the victims, including advocate Yuvraj Parajuli, have echoed this demand, while defence lawyers are arguing for their release on general bail.

Earlier, on December 22, supplementary charges were filed against the accused under the organised crime regulations, in addition to the initial cooperative fraud charges. Among the 63 defendants, six, including key figures like Kailash Kumar Darlami and Kumar Ramtel, remain in remand at Kaski Prison, while others are detained outside Kaski.

The court’s ruling following the remand hearings will determine whether the accused are sent to judicial custody, released on bail, or allowed to walk free on general recognisance.