Nepal Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane Faces 8-Year Jail Term for Rape Case Conviction

Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane receives an eight-year jail term following his conviction in a rape case involving a 17-year-old. The Nepal court's decision, delivered by Shishir Raj Dhakal, includes compensation and penalties. Lamichhane's denial of the accusations and subsequent frustration were echoed by his lawyer.

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In a consequential verdict, Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane faces an eight-year prison term after his conviction in a rape case involving a 17-year-old girl. The Nepal court, led by Shishir Raj Dhakal, declared the verdict today, imposing eight years of imprisonment along with compensations and penalties, as confirmed by court official Ramu Sharma.

Lamichhane, who had been accused of raping the minor in a Kathmandu hotel room back in August 2022, had been granted release in January 2023. This release occurred while the court was still deliberating on the case, a process that encountered delays, enabling Lamichhane to continue his cricket pursuits. Despite orders for expeditious proceedings in February last year, the hearings faced interruptions due to Lamichhane's participation in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe.

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Although not convicted earlier, Lamichhane had spent a few months in jail before being released on bail, permitting him to travel abroad.

According to the Kathmandu District Government Attorney's Office (DGAO), Lamichhane faced a demand for a 12-year sentence based on sub-section 3 (d) of Section 219 of the National Penal Code Act, 2017. This section stipulates imprisonment of 10-12 years for individuals committing rape against a woman between the ages of 16 and 18. Consequently, the Nepal cricket team suspended Lamichhane following an arrest warrant issued in his name during the Asia Cup.

Despite denying the allegations, both Lamichhane and his legal representative expressed disbelief and frustration at the court's judgment last month.