Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane received an eight-year jail sentence from the Kathmandu District Court for a rape conviction. Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal pronounced the verdict, including a Rs 3,00,000 fine and Rs 2,00,000 compensation to the victim. Court official Ramu Sharma confirmed the sentence, quoted by AFP.
On December 29, the Kathmandu District Court convicted the former national team captain for raping a 26-year-old, known as Gushala, at a Tilganga hotel on August 21, 2022. The minor victim lodged a case on September 6 at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Gaushala, leading to the Nepal Police’s investigation under the National Penal Act, 2017.
READ MORE | Dark Turn for Sandeep Lamichhane: Kathmandu Court Finds Cricketer Guilty of Rape
The Kathmandu District Court’s November 4 ruling directed his transfer to Sundhara-based central jail following a detention hearing. Lamichhane contested this decision, appealing to the high court. On January 12, the division bench comprising judges Dhruva Raj Nanda and Ramesh Dahal granted his release on bail while inquiries continued. Although permitted bail, Lamichhane was restricted from leaving Kathmandu and had to inform the police of his movements.
Displeased with the travel constraints, Lamichhane approached the Supreme Court, challenging the high court’s ruling. On February 27, a division bench led by justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Kumar Chudal favored his petition, permitting him to travel abroad for gaming purposes.
During the onset of the investigation, Lamichhane was participating in the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies. However, upon his return to Tribhuvan International Airport, authorities arrested him.
Last Updated on January 10, 2024
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