KATHMANDU: In a high-profile testimony provided to the Karki Investigative Commission, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane has alleged that he was removed from prison against his will and without a formal court order during the height of the Gen-Z uprising on September 09,2025.

Lamichhane testified that despite his explicit refusal to leave the facility without legal clearance, the prison administration itself initiated the process to send him out. He claimed that the authorities were in the process of drafting a formal release letter even as the situation outside grew increasingly volatile.

“The prison administration was apparently preparing a letter to formally release me from custody,” Lamichhane stated in his deposition. “However, before that document was even finalized, the surging crowd moved me outside the prison perimeter. I later learned that a letter had indeed been issued by the prison, but I had no involvement in its drafting or signing.”

The RSP leader emphasized that accountability for this procedural breach rests solely with the correctional authorities. “It is my firm stance that the prison administration must be held answerable for the issuance and handling of that release letter,” he added.

Here is Rabi Lamichhane full testimony in commission report:

The prison environment remained normal until September 8, 2025 (Bhadau 23). However, on September 9 (Bhadau 24), at approximately 12:30 PM, the prison leaders (Naikes) summoned me to the office. They informed me that security representatives had reported an extraordinary situation outside the prison walls; a massive crowd had gathered, and the situation had reached a point where I needed to be released into the custody of my family and party.

I explicitly refused to leave the prison without a formal court order. However, the prison administration repeatedly urged me to intervene, suggesting that I personally could reason with the crowd. Eventually, I agreed to address the gathering from within the prison premises and requested a microphone. In the midst of the chaos, with the police appearing panicked, the crowd pushed me and forced me outside. I then climbed onto the balcony of a nearby restaurant and addressed the crowd, appealing for peace, restraint, and the protection of public property.

It appears the prison administration was preparing a formal release letter for me, but the crowd swept me out before the document was even finalized. I was later informed that a letter had been issued by the prison, but I had no involvement in its drafting or signing. Therefore, it is my firm stance that the prison administration must be held solely accountable for the issuance of that letter. In reality, I was handed over to the mob under the direct instructions of the prison administration and was forcibly sent out against my will.

I wish to clarify that neither I nor the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) had any involvement in the events of September 9. We have maintained that we played no role, direct or indirect, in any violent activities, and I remain committed to taking strict action if any party member is found to be involved.

After leaving the prison grounds, I reached a secure location with the help of well-wishers in a vehicle belonging to artist Ram Krishna Dhakal. I immediately informed the chiefs of the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the Nepali Army of my situation. That same evening, I issued a video message informing the public that I was safe and intended to reappear before the court. On September 13 (Bhadau 28), once my security was guaranteed, I returned to Nakkhu Jail. Reflecting on these events, I suggest adopting an “Open Prison” policy, strengthening mental health and legal counseling for inmates, and establishing a robust prisoner review mechanism.