KATHMANDU: The Kathmandu District Court has sentenced cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, accused of rape, to an 8-year prison term.

Judge Shishir Raj Dhakal’s verdict also mandated him to compensate the victim with a sum of 500,000 rupees.

The court had previously convicted Lamichhane and slated the announcement of the fine and sentence for January 10.

Under Section 219 (2) of the National Penal Code Act, 2017, engaging in sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent or with a girl child below eighteen years, even with her consent, constitutes rape. Section 219 (3) outlines the corresponding imprisonment terms based on the circumstances and age of the victim.

Considering the court’s prior declaration of Lamichhane’s guilt and the determination that the victim is not a minor, it was anticipated that Lamichhane might face a jail term ranging from seven to ten years.

Contrary to the demand of the petitioner to hail Lamichhane guilty of the rape of a minor, the Court stated the petitioner was not a minor at the time of the incident.