Lamichhane appeals to Patan High Court against decision of Kathmandu District Court which pronounced him guilty of rape   

KATHMANDU, Feb 22: Patan High Court has allowed rape-convict suspended national cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane to face legal trial against him by staying outside the prison after Lamichhane filed an appeal on Thursday.  

On December 29, the Kathmandu District Court (KDC) convicted former captain of the national cricket team, Lamichhane, of rape.  In the full text of the verdict on the case, the court has mentioned that Lamichhane took advantage of the 'poor financial situation' of Gaushala 26, the changed name of the rape victim.

“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,” reads the full text. Lamichhane has been sentenced to eight years in prison and imposed a fine and compensation of Rs 500,000.

According to the source, the Registrar of the High Court has permitted Lamichhane to face the trial while staying outside prison. According to the National Criminal Procedure (Code) Act 2017, the person convicted for less than 10 years of jail sentence can appeal and fight the legal battle staying outside prison, while the registrar of the court can grant a permit for such appeal.  

Saroj Ghimire, Lamichhane’s lawyer, said his client has appealed to the High Court seeking justice.

Previously, the KDC had remanded Sandeep to a pre-trial detention in connection with the rape case. However, Patan High Court later ordered his release on a bail of Rs 2 million. Lamichhane had also been granted permission to participate in international competitions.

Following the verdict of the KDC, the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) suspended Lamichhane and banned from any kind of domestic and international cricket activities. 

 
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