Nepal's cricket team skipper Sandeep Lamichhane has found himself in hot water after failing to return to his country following accusations of rape levied against him. Back in August, Lamichhane had been accused of raping a minor girl who was just 17 years old.
The victim had filed a complaint against Lamicchane to Kathmandu police on September 7. The 22-year-old, who was then playing for Caribbean Premier League (CPL) side 2022 Jamaica Tallawahs, had recently starred in a limited-overs series against Kenya.
According to the case filed at the Police Circle Gaushala on Tuesday, Lamichhane allegedly took the girl to different places in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur on August 21 and raped her in a hotel in Kathmandu on the same night. He has been suspended to help in conducting a smooth investigation.
Since a warrant has been issued against Lamichhane, he has also been released by his CPL franchise with immediate effect and was expected to return to the country at the beginning of the month. But since he has not done so, the court has moved Interpol — the International Criminal Police Organisation — to file a 'diffusion notice.' This is an international alert which notifies law enforcement authorities in one country that those of another country are seeking the arrest of a specific person.
Following this news, Lamichhane explained the reason for his delay in returning to Nepal in a Facebook post. "I was not able to think about what to do and what not to do,” Lamichanne was quoted as saying on his Facebook post, written in Nepali.
"All these things affected me mentally on one hand and, on the other hand, I had to go through illness, and due to mental stress and ill health, I kept myself in isolation. I have been mentally and physically affected by the portrayal and I have reached a state of imbalance and I have been bringing myself back to a normal state under the advice of doctors. My health is gradually improving, and I am planning to return to Nepal as soon as possible to defend myself against the false complaint against me.
"I will fight the legal battle against the false accusations. As far as I understand, according to the constitution of Nepal, I am innocent until proven guilty. I also understand that the constitution provides for the right to live with dignity, the right against torture, the right to privacy, the right to health and the right to consult with my legal practitioner."
The 22-year-old broke onto the scene after he earned a contract in the IPL with the erstwhile Delhi Daredevils. In nine appearances across two seasons, Lamichhane has bagged 13 wickets. He was also recently appointed as Nepal's captain.
