In a significant turn of events, Sandeep Lamichhane, Nepal’s esteemed cricketer and former national team captain, faced a serious conviction by a Kathmandu court for the disturbing crime of raping a minor. This verdict came after earlier developments in January, where Lamichhane was initially set free by the court after a 17-year-old girl alleged that he had assaulted her within a hotel room in Kathmandu.
At just 23 years old, Lamichhane has cemented his status as Nepal’s most illustrious cricketer, achieving milestones like being the first Nepali player to grace the Indian Premier League (IPL), debuting with the Delhi Capitals in 2018. Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal, leading the single bench, delivered this crucial verdict after comprehensive hearings that began the previous Sunday, as reported by the Kathmandu Post.
This ruling now places the spotlight on the impending sentencing phase for this national team stalwart. Interestingly, Lamichhane’s legal journey saw various twists and turns. On January 12, the Patan High Court sanctioned his release based on a review petition he had filed, securing his bail against a hefty sum of Rs 2 million.
This followed the Kathmandu District Court’s decision on November 4, 2022, which had initially ordered Lamichhane’s incarceration at the Sundhara-based central jail, a decision he vehemently contested at the higher court.
Sandeep Lamichhane has played in the IPL
The legal proceedings originated when the Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office pressed charges against Lamichhane, citing the minor’s allegation from August 21. The subsequent arrest on October 6 at the Tribhuvan International Airport, upon his return from Trinidad & Tobago post his stint in the Caribbean Premier League, further escalated the situation.
Alongside the grave allegations, Lamichhane’s assets faced a freeze after the district attorney sought compensation for the purported physical and emotional trauma inflicted upon the victim.
Lamichhane’s prowess as a leg-spinner, especially known for his deceptive googly, made him a sought-after asset in global T20 leagues, including Australia’s Big Bash League, Pakistan Super League, and the Caribbean Premier League.
His accomplishments on the pitch are commendable, with records like being the second-fastest bowler to clinch 50 ODI wickets and the third in achieving 50 T20I wickets. Notably, his recent international outing was against Kenya in an August T20I match.
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