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[Saba Sports News] The Kathmandu District Court convicted former Nepal cricket team captain Sandeep Lamichhane of raping an 18-year-old girl. The final verdict, delivered by Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal on December 29, concluded the hearings that started on December 24. Lamichhane’s sentencing, including potential fines or compensation, will be decided in the upcoming hearing.
Lamichhane, who has been out on bail since January 12, continued to participate in several national tournaments. The Patan High Court had approved his release on a Rs 2 million bail bond after a review petition.
The Kathmandu District Attorney’s Office filed charges in September 2022, alleging Lamichhane raped a 17-year-old girl on August 21. However, the court determined the victim was not a minor at the time. Consequently, Lamichhane was charged under Section 219 of the Criminal Code 2074.
The complaint against Lamichhane was initially filed on September 6 at the Metropolitan Police Circle, Gaushala, while he was in Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Premier League. Following the complaint, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended Lamichhane, who was then the national team captain.
Lamichhane was arrested on October 6, 2022, upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Prior to his arrest, he declared on Facebook his intention to cooperate with the investigation and fight legally to prove his innocence, describing the allegations as a “conspiracy and wrongful allegation.”
The district attorney’s chargesheet sought compensation for the victim’s alleged physical and mental suffering, leading to the freezing of Lamichhane’s bank accounts and property. On the same day of his conviction, Lamichhane led the PARSA Club XI to a victory against the Nepal Army Club in a Nepal Pro Club Championship match in Birgun.