Full text of court verdict says 'Lamichhane took advantage of victim’s poor financial conditions'

KATHMANDU, Jan 31: In the full text of the verdict on the case of cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, who was convicted of raping Gaushala 26, the District Court Kathmandu has mentioned that Lamichhane took advantaged of the victim's 'poor financial situation'.

The bench of Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal had decided on January 10 that he should be sentenced to eight years in prison and imposed a fine and compensation of Rs 500,000.

The verdict reads, "It is observed that her financial condition is extremely weak, and the family situation is not good either," as stated in the full text. Dev Khanal, who provided a comprehensive account of the incident in writing, expressed, "She mentioned that her family situation is not good, and she is seeking financial assistance."

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In the full text, it is mentioned that cricketer Lamichhane took advantage of the poor financial condition of the victim by misusing the name and fame he had gained as a player. He allegedly took advantage of the victim's economic vulnerability to engage with her, travel together, and reportedly contemplated sexual assault by reserving a single room in a hotel.

The court had decided to convict Lamichhane in the rape case of Gaushala 26 on December 29 and sentenced him on January 10.

Lamichhane was arrested from the Tribhuvan International Airport on October 20 after a complaint was filed against Lamichhane for raping a girl on October 6, 2022.

After investigations into the matter, the police filed a rape case at the Kathmandu District Court through the Kathmandu District Attorney Office. After the initial hearing on the case, the court ordered Lamichhane to be sent to prison for pre-trial detention.

In a petition filed by Lamichhane in Patan High Court against the order, on January 12, 2023, the bench of Judges Ramesh Dhakal and Dhruvraj Nanda ordered him to be released on a bond of Rs 200,000, but he was barred from going abroad. Lamichhane filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking permission to go abroad.

The joint bench of Justice Sapna Malla Pradhan and Kumar Chudal also allowed Lamichhane to travel abroad for cricket matches on February 27. Once the full court text is publicized, Lamichhane can appeal to the High Court if dissatisfied with the decision.