The Kathmandu Court found former Nepal captain, Sandeep Lamichhane, guilty of rape on Friday, December 29. However, the trial period is expected to be announced next month.
The rape controversy began in January when a 17-year-old girl filed accusations that led to Lamichhane’s initial arrest.
The victim said that in a Kathmandu hotel room, the cricketer had raped her. Even though he had been released at the time, the case continued, and recently he was found guilty.
Following the completion of final hearings that began the previous Sunday, Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal delivered the verdict on Friday, finding Lamichhane guilty of rape.
The court will reconvene for the next hearing to determine the jail term for the 23-year-old cricketer. Lamichhane, who is currently out on bail, faces a potentially lengthy prison sentence based on the severity of the charges.
Lamichhane’s legal journey has been marked by twists and turns. Initially released by the Patan High Court on January 12, he was granted bail with conditions, including a bail bond of Rs 2 million.
The Kathmandu District Court had ordered his detention on November 4, 2022, leading to Lamichhane’s appeal to the high court. The legal proceedings have been closely watched, reflecting the gravity of the charges against the former cricket captain.
As a consequence of the charges, Lamichhane’s bank account and property were frozen. The financial implications, coupled with the potential for a significant prison term, cast a shadow not only on his personal life but also on his cricketing career.
Lamichhane, who once stood as Nepal’s cricketing pride and the first player from the country to feature in the Indian Premier League (IPL), now faces an uncertain future.
Lamichhane’s achievements on the cricket field, including being the world’s second-fastest bowler to capture 50 ODI wickets and the third-fastest to reach 50 T20I wickets, are now overshadowed by the legal proceedings.
Known for his wily leg-spin and a lethal googly, Lamichhane was a sought-after player in various T20 leagues globally, including the IPL, Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
The news of Lamichhane’s guilty verdict has triggered a mix of emotions among the public and the cricketing fraternity.
Fans express disappointment and shock, while others are grappling with the realization that a celebrated figure in Nepali cricket is entangled in such a grave legal matter.
Also Read: Best IPL Betting Sites in India For Real Money 2024
