Former Nepal Cricket captain Sandeep Lamichhane has been found guilty by Kathmandu District Court for raping a minor girl on Friday, December 29.
The bench headed by Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal has ruled that Sandeep Lamichhane did rape the girl, as per the Communication Officer at the court. The 23-year-old has been reportedly arrested by Nepal Police following the verdict of his rape case.
While pronouncing guilty of rape against Sandeep, the bench ruled that girl was not minor at the time of rape in August 2022. However, Kathmandu District Court judged that Nepal Cricketer took the advantage of girl's poor financial background.
The court is expected to announce the punishment for Sandeep Lamichhane by January 10, 2024. The 23-year-old was out on bail and was part of the Nepal team in Asia Cup 2023 in September 2023.
Kathmandu's District Attorney Office filed a case against Sandeep for raping a girl in August last year. He was charged under section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074.
In September, the girl filed a petition against Nepal Cricketer challenging his bail. However, the Nepal Court postponed Sandeep's rape trail, allowing him to participate in Asia Cup.
In October, the district attorney filed a chargesheet against Sandeep Lamichhane, demanding him the compensation for the victim. Following which, his bank accounts were frozen.
Sandeep Lamichhane's career in jeopardy
After the Nepal Court found him guilty for raping a girl, Sandeep Lamichhane's cricketing career looks dark at the moment.
After being released on bail in January this year, Sandeep has played several matches for Nepal, including Asia Cup and ACC Men's Premier Cup. Nepal Cricket banned him from any matches. However, the ban was lifted after Sandeep secured his bail.
In February, Scotland players refused shake hands with Sandeep Lamichhane after he was accused of rape by a girl in a Kathmandu Hotel. Cricket Scotland didn't make any public comment on the gesture which came after the One-off ODI match wherein Scots lost by three wickets.
Sandeep made his international debut for Nepal in 2018. In April this year, former Nepal cricketer became the fastest bowler to take 100 ODI wickets, achieving the feat in 42 matches.
Sandeep Lamichanne also played in Indian Premier League, representing Delhi Capitals from 2018 and 2020.
Lahore Qalandars signed Sandeep Lamichhane as their Platinum Picks for PSL 2024. It is unlikely that Nepal spinner will play for Qalandars for the upcoming PSL season.
Following the verdict of Sandeep's rape case, Nepal Cricket is likely to ban him again from any international matches for the team.
