Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane sentenced to eight years in jail for rape
Image : Getty images
Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is facing a daunting eight-year jail term, as declared by the Kathmandu District Court on Wednesday (January 10). The verdict, delivered by a single bench presided over by Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal, also imposes a fine of Rs.3 lakh on the former Nepal captain. Additionally, Lamichhane is obligated to pay Rs.2 lakh as compensation to the victim.
The legal proceedings originated in September 2022 when the victim lodged a case accusing Lamichhane of rape in August 2021. Following an extended period of trial and investigation, Lamichhane was ultimately convicted on December 29, 2023. The announcement of the sentencing was scheduled for January 10, 2024.
The case witnessed a series of twists and turns, particularly when the court dismissed the initial claims made by the victim, asserting she was a minor at the time of the incident. Lamichhane, arrested upon his return from the 2022 Caribbean Premier League, contested the district court’s decision by moving to the high court. The district court had previously ordered his confinement to the Sundhara-based Central Jail.
Despite facing restrictions on his movements, travel bans, and the requirement to inform the authorities before leaving Kathmandu, Lamichhane found temporary relief when the Supreme Court ruled in his favor. This ruling led to the lifting of restrictions, allowing Lamichhane to continue playing cricket. Throughout 2023, he participated in matches for Nepal and various franchise leagues.