The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) has decided to lift the suspension of Sandeep Lamichhane. This decision came just hours after the Patan High Court acquitted Lamichhane in a rape case.
Speaking with the BBC, CAN President Chatur
Bahadur Chand mentioned that the association will soon decide whether to send
Lamichhane to the USA and West Indies for the World Cup. Chand, currently in
Delhi, said that discussions among CAN members are ongoing online.
Chand emphasized that after the court's
acquittal, there is no reason to prevent Lamichhane, who played a key role in
getting Nepal to the T20 World Cup, from rejoining the national team. He
stated, "We will likely decide within a day or two to include him in the
World Cup squad. For that, we will conduct a health check-up and make the
necessary decisions."
"Currently, the 15-member team is in the
West Indies. I believe our team will now include Sandeep," he added.
Court Overturns Verdict
Earlier on Wednesday afternoon, the Patan High
Court overturned the Kathmandu District Court's guilty verdict in the rape case
against Lamichhane, clearing him of all charges. High Court spokesperson Bimal
Parajuli told the BBC that the bench of judges Sudarshan Dev Bhatt and Anju
Upreti Dhakal overturned the district court's decision.
The court ruled that the evidence presented did
not prove that Lamichhane committed rape, and the government's claim about the
victim's age was not substantiated. Previously, on January 12, the Patan High
Court had released Lamichhane on bail of 2 million rupees.
During the court proceedings, Lamichhane's
supporters gathered outside the courthouse. In January, the district judge sentenced Lamichhane to eight years in prison, along with a fine and
compensation for the victim.
Legal Implications
The Kathmandu District Court had earlier found Lamichhane guilty under Sections 1, 2, and 3 (G) of Article 219 of the Criminal Code, 2017, which outlines penalties for rape. This includes a prison sentence of seven to ten years for the rape of a woman aged 18 or older.
Dispute Over Age
Lamichhane's defense argued that the victim was
an adult, citing government documents and hospital records indicating she was
18. The court noted that Lamichhane had taken advantage of the victim's precarious
economic situation.
The final hearing on the case began on May 21 and
concluded with the verdict on May 26.
Return to Cricket
Lamichhane, who was suspended from the national
team and removed from his captaincy following the rape allegations, has had his
suspension lifted by CAN. He has since participated in international matches
for Nepal.
