Accused Sandeep Lamichhane returning to Nepal today

KATHMANDU, Oct 6: Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane who has been accused of raping a minor is scheduled to return to Nepal on Thursday.

Taking to his social media account earlier, Lamichhane maintained that he will be returning to Nepal on October 6 and will legally face acquisitions made against him.

Lamichhane has also claimed himself to be innocent.

Earlier, a minor girl filed a rape complaint against Lamichhane while he was abroad playing tournaments.

Lamichhane has been accused of raping the minor multiple times at 11:55 PM on August 21 at the airport-based Kathmandu Inn Hotel. 

As per the section 219 (1) of the National Penal (Code) Act, 2017, where a man has sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent or with a girl child below eighteen years of age even with her consent, the man shall be considered to commit rape on such woman or girl child.

If found guilty, Lamichhane could be imprisoned for a term of ten to twelve years, the girl being above sixteen years of age but below eighteen years of age, as per the the section 219 (4) of the National Penal (Code) Act, 2017. Besides, the could can also slap a fine of Rs 500,000.