Sandeep Lamichhane, a former cricket captain for Nepal, arrived in Kathmandu early on Thursday to defend himself against rape allegations there. Lamichhane was arrested by the authorities shortly after his arrival today. The former cricketer had previously posted on Facebook, “As per my sincere commitment to submit myself to the authority of Nepal, I am landing at 10:00 am from Qatar Airways in the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu.”
The 25-year-old ex-captain of the national team has categorically denied any wrongdoing. He has stated that he is suing against what he claims are false accusations and unlawful prosecution. “I am sure I will get justice and will return to the cricket ground soon to make the name and fame of my beloved country and I pray for a speedy trial. I will fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation and will fight a legal battle to prove my innocence. Let justice prevail.”
On August 21, a 17-year-old girl filed a complaint stating that Lamichhane had taken her to several locations in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur before bringing her to a hotel in Sinamangal, Kathmandu, where she had been raped on the same night.
Since his whereabouts were unknown after the filing of the complaint against him, INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) had already issued a diffusion notice. Together with the Nepali Immigration Department’s blacklisting of him, the Kathmandu District Court has issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with the case of raping a juvenile aged 17 years old.
Following the issuing of an arrest warrant, the Police have dispatched its staff to detain Lamichhane wherever he may be found. The cricket player accused of rape will be arrested by the immigration desk upon his arrival on Thursday and handed over to police, who will take him to District Police Range Kathmandu.
Leg spinner Lamichhane was chosen to lead the Nepal cricket squad last year. Prior to this, he led the Nepal Under-19 team in both the 2016 Asia Cup and the 2017 Asian Cricket Council World Cup Qualifier.
The Chenab Times News Desk
