KATHMANDU, July 26: The complainant in the high-profile rape case against cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, identified as Gaushala 26, has decided not to appeal against the Patan High Court's decision to acquit Lamichhane. This decision was confirmed after the complainant submitted an application to the Government Attorney Office, stating her intention not to challenge the acquittal at the Supreme Court.
The Patan High Court recently overturned a prior verdict from the Kathmandu District Court, which had sentenced Lamichhane to eight years in prison. The Kathmandu District Court had found Lamichhane guilty of rape, leading to his initial conviction. However, Lamichhane appealed against the decision, bringing the case before the Patan High Court.
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The High Court's joint bench, comprising Judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Anju Upreti, ruled in favor of Lamichhane, granting him a clean chit and absolving him of all charges. This acquittal has now been accepted by the complainant, who has chosen not to pursue further legal action.
While Gaushala 26's decision not to appeal effectively ends her involvement in the case, it is up to the government to decide whether to pursue further legal avenues. “As they are the plaintiff in the case, the final determination on whether to take the case to the Supreme Court rests with the government's legal representatives,” said a source at the attorney’s office.
