Depositors of the Chitwan-based Sahara Cooperatives have accused the government of showing indifference to apprehending GB Rai, the founding chair of the cooperative.

“Why haven’t the cooperative operators been detained even after arrest warrants were issued? Is it because high-ranking individuals are involved in the scam? Serious doubts have arisen,” read the memorandum handed over to Chitwan Chief District Officer Chiranjeevi Sharma on Friday.

A police investigation revealed that Rs120 million was transferred from the cooperative by Rai to invest in his Gorkha Media Network. Rai is currently on the run. Home Minister Lamichhane, who chairs the Rastriya Swatantra Party, served as the managing director of the media company before joining politics.

In the memorandum, Shalikram Duwadi, coordinator of the struggle committee of the cooperative victims, said the police seized documents from the cooperative, but no further action was taken. Duwadi said the majority of the depositors belong to the lower and middle classes and they are facing difficulties even to fulfill basic needs, including accessing medical treatment.

The depositors have demanded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal intervene and issue orders to apprehend the absconders.

“There is no indication that the issue will be resolved if the prime minister doesn't intervene in the matter,” reads the memorandum.

The depositors also submitted a memorandum to Bhaktiram Adhikari, the president of Chitwan District Saving and Credit Co-operative Union, and urged him to find a solution.

Meanwhile, the victims of another cooperative, Shiva Shikhar Multipurpose Cooperative, also submitted a memorandum and demanded the authorities help them recover their savings.

While receiving the memorandum, Chief District Officer Sharma said the government is working to deliver justice to the victims.