Introduction
In a significant legal development, the Kathmandu District Court handed down an eight-year prison sentence to renowned cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane on charges of rape. The verdict, delivered by a single bench under Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal, also includes a hefty Rs300,000 fine and a directive for Lamichhane to pay Rs200,000 in compensation to the victim.
The Legal Journey Unveiled
Verdict Day: Jail Term and Monetary Penalties
On Wednesday, the bench pronounced the verdict, concluding a legal saga that began on September 6, 2022, when the victim filed a rape case against Lamichhane. The court, after a hearing on December 29, convicted the cricketer for the alleged rape that occurred on August 21, 2022, in a Tilganga-based hotel. The sentencing took place 15 months after the initiation of the legal proceedings.
Fine and Compensation Details
Apart from the prison term, the court imposed a Rs300,000 fine on Lamichhane, emphasizing the gravity of the offense. Additionally, the cricketer is obligated to pay Rs200,000 in compensation to the victim, as mandated by the court.
Contested Claims and Legal Roadblocks
Age Dispute and Dismissed Claims
The court dismissed the victim’s claim that she was a minor at the time of the incident, rejecting the birth dates mentioned in her academic documents, which purportedly indicated she was 17 during the incident.
Arrest and Detention
During the investigation, Lamichhane, who was in the West Indies for the Caribbean Premier League, was arrested upon his return to Tribhuvan International Airport on October 6, 2022. The Kathmandu District Court, on November 4 of the same year, ordered his detention in the Sundhara-based central jail after a hearing.
Legal Maneuvers and Bail
Lamichhane contested the detention order in the high court, and on January 12, a division bench decided to release him on bail pending further investigation. He posted a bail of Rs2 million on January 13, with the condition of restricted travel and mandatory reporting to the police when leaving Kathmandu.
Supreme Court Intervention
Unsatisfied with the travel restrictions, Lamichhane appealed to the Supreme Court, challenging the high court’s decision. On February 27, the Supreme Court’s division bench ruled in favor of the cricketer, granting him permission to travel abroad for games.
Conclusion: Lamichhane’s Legal Odyssey Continues
Despite the verdict, Lamichhane’s legal journey persists, marked by appeals, restrictions, and a contentious battle in the justice system. The cricketer, once free to travel and play games abroad, faces a challenging chapter ahead as he navigates the aftermath of the court’s decision.
