Nepali Cricket Star Sandeep Lamichhane Acquitted of Rape Charges

Nepali cricket star Sandeep Lamichhane has been acquitted of rape charges by the High Court, Patan, overturning an eight-year jail sentence handed down by a lower court in January. Lamichhane, 23, was accused of raping an 18-year-old woman in 2022.

Lamichhane's lawyers welcomed the decision, stating that he was not guilty and should have been cleared of the charges. The High Court's verdict, which is yet to be released in detail, concluded the hearing on Lamichhane's appeal.

Lamichhane, a leg-spinner, is considered the face of cricket in Nepal and has played in prominent Twenty20 leagues in India, Australia, Pakistan, and the West Indies. He was suspended as Nepal's captain and taken into custody after police issued an arrest warrant for him over the assault. He was later released on bail.

In January, the Kathmandu district court sentenced Lamichhane to eight years in jail and ordered him to pay a fine and compensation to the victim. However, his lawyers argued that the lower court's verdict was flawed and that Lamichhane was innocent.

The High Court's decision to quash the conviction is a significant development in the case. Lamichhane's supporters celebrated the verdict, blowing traditional musical pipes and beating drums at the court premises.

The case has drawn widespread attention in Nepal and internationally, raising questions about sexual assault and the justice system. Lamichhane's acquittal is likely to spark further debate and discussion on these important issues.

Tags: #SandeepLamichhane, #RapeCharges, #NepalCricket, #HighCourt, #Acquittal