The branch manager of Kailash Bikash Bank in Lamachaur, Pokhara, has gone out of contact after reportedly misappropriating millions of rupees from the bank and at dozens of lenders.    

Rabichandra Khanal is said to have fled with at least Rs 15 million of the bank’s money and around Rs 70 million that he had received in loans from around 50 people.

The bank has filed a complaint against Rabichandra at the Kaski District Police Office and the Nepal Police Central Investigation Bureau. 

Surya Tiwari, the bank’s assistant general manager, said Rabichandra’s assets were frozen for investigation and the bank was conducting an audit to figure out the missing amount. 

The bank raised its suspicion when Rabichandra stopped coming to work from Monday. He had not informed anyone at work about him taking the days off.

Both him and his wife have gone incommunicado. 

Santosh Khanal, of Hansapur, said he had loaned Rs 2 million to Rabichandra on a condition that he would pay him a handsome interest.

Rabichandra had also reportedly borrowed millions of rupees from many other people in Lamachaur, Batulechaur, Lekhnath and even from the people in Tanahun district.

Santosh suspects that Rabichandra may have fled to the US since he had a multiple entry visa.   

Deputy Superintendent of Police Khadga Bahadur Khatri at the Kaski District Police Office said they have launched an investigation. However, he said, the persons who had reportedly loaned money to Rabichandra have not filed complaint.