KATHMANDU: In a significant turn of events, the Patan High Court has granted a clean chit to cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane in a rape case.

After conducting hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday, the Patan High Court overturned the previous verdict issued by the Kathmandu District Court, granting cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane an acquittal in the rape case.

A joint bench comprising Judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatta and Anju Upetri rendered the verdict absolving Lamichhane of all charges.

Initially, the Kathmandu District Court had sentenced Sandeep to eight years of imprisonment for the alleged rape incident in Gaushala-26.

Subsequently, Sandeep lodged an appeal with the Patan High Court, where the case experienced five postponements.

What was the case?

The case against Sandeep Lamichhane involves allegations of rape, which was filed at Gaushala Police Office on Bhadra 29, 2079 BS (the Nepali calendar).

During the time, Lamichhane was in the West Indies participating in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Approximately one month later, Lamichhane was apprehended at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) upon his return from the United States of America (USA) on Ashoj 20.

Subsequently, the Kathmandu District Court ordered Lamichhane to be remanded in custody.

He was later released on bail of Rs 2,000,000, which was granted by the Patan High Court.

However, the High Court imposed restrictions on Lamichhane, prohibiting him from leaving the country.

Lamichhane then sought permission to travel abroad to participate in cricket tournaments, filing a writ petition at the Supreme Court.

A joint bench of Judges Sapna Pradan Malla and Kumar Chudal granted him permission to travel on Falgun 15, 2079 BS.

After approximately 14 months, the Kathmandu District Court delivered a verdict convicting Lamichhane in the rape case.

Subsequently, Sandeep lodged an appeal with the Patan High Court, which has now overturned the previous verdict, granting him a clean chit in the case.