KATHMANDU: The final hearing in the rape case against former Nepal Men’s Cricket Team captain, Sandeep Lamichhane, resumed today under the presiding Judge Shirish Raj Dhakal.
The proceedings began on Sunday, with government advocates presenting their case. The continuation allows Lamichhane’s legal representatives the opportunity to present their defense.
The court is poised to make a critical decision regarding Lamichhane’s fate—whether he will be acquitted or taken into custody. If found guilty, Lamichhane could potentially face a minimum jail term of 10 years.
The alleged victim, who claims to be a minor, is seeking a 10 to 12-year sentence for the cricketer. However, the exact age of the victim is yet to be confirmed.
The charges against Lamichhane are framed under section 219(1) of the National Penal Code Act, 2017, which classifies non-consensual sexual intercourse with a woman or a girl child below eighteen years as rape, even with her consent.
In the event of Lamichhane’s conviction, he may face imprisonment for ten to twelve years, considering the victim’s age is specified as above sixteen but below eighteen, as outlined in section 219(4) of the National Penal Code Act, 2017. Additionally, the court has the authority to impose a fine of Rs 500,000.
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