KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 20

A photo of a sleeping man, claiming to be former deputy prime minister and home minister Rabi Lamichhane, who has been in custody for two months for an investigation into the cooperative funds misappropriation case, went viral on social media today and has been making numerous rounds across the social media platforms.

In the photo, a man who looks like Lamichhane is seen sleeping on a small bed covered in blankets and wearing a cap. The photo's release has polarised the internet, raising concerns about security protocols and human rights.

According to a Nepal Police spokesperson, an investigation into the leak of photos from inside the detention centre has begun, and anyone involved will face consequences.

Meanwhile, Nicholas Bhusal claimed through his Facebook page that he took the photo while visiting Rabi Lamichhane but deleted it after receiving mixed reactions on social media.

'I went to see him at 4:00pm on Saturday. When I returned, there was a screen outside displaying CCTV footage. I took a picture from there,' Bhusal said.

Kaski police confirmed that Bhusal visited Lamichhane on Saturday. In response to the photo leak, the police have stated that they are committed to conducting a fact-based and evidence-based investigation in accordance with the criminal penal code.

A committee has been formed to look into the authenticity of the photo. Basanta Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police, heads the committee. Since the photo is not clear, the authorities only will be able to determine whether it is fake or original investigation only after an investigation.

Issuing a statement the District Police Office Kaski said, 'A few days ago, a vague picture of him (Lamichhane) sleeping in the custody cell of the District Police Office Kaski was posted on social media to derail the factual investigation of cooperative fraud, organised crime, and money laundering.'

Stating that action will be taken against those who published the picture, police stated, 'In accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act of 2007, those who are involved in the unauthorised publication and transmission of content in violation of the provision to maintain confidentiality in criminal investigation, investigation, and prosecution, as well as the prevailing legal provisions related to cyber crime. Any person will be brought under the legal framework through investigation and prosecuted according to the law.'

Police also stated that the photograph was posted on Dr. Nicholas Bhusal's Facebook page. Bhusal also took to social media to apologise for posting the photo himself and said that he did not take the photo with bad intentions.

After Lamichhane's photo was shared, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leaders expressed their concerns, claiming that the police took the photo to send to someone else.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak also enquired about the photograph with Inspector General of Police (IGP) Basanta Bahadur Kunwar. Kunwar responded, stating that the photo was taken in Kaski police custody and that Rabi was sleeping.

Lekhak also reiterated that all would be treated equally as per the law and the government is committed to take action against anyone involved in criminal activities.

Talking to journalists here on Thursday, Minister Lekhak said all the accused in the cooperative fraud would be brought to book, adding that there would be fair investigation on all those charged in cooperative fund misappropriation and the guilty would face action.