Kathmandu, The Supreme Court of Nepal has decided not to appeal against the High Court’s ruling that acquitted cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane of charges related to sexual assault. The decision comes after the Attorney General’s office, represented by spokesperson Surya Raj Dahal, confirmed that the appeal would not be pursued based on three key considerations.
- Victim’s Request: The alleged victim, referred to as ‘Gausala-26,’ requested the Attorney General’s office not to appeal, prioritizing her desire for a peaceful life over further legal proceedings. This request significantly influenced the Attorney General’s decision.
- Age Dispute: There was a contentious debate over the victim’s age, which reached the High Court. The victim initially claimed to be a minor, but evidence presented by Sandeep’s defense indicated she was over 18. The High Court ultimately ruled that she was indeed an adult, thereby dismissing the charges of statutory rape.
- Incident Details: The Attorney General’s office noted that CCTV footage from the hotels where the incident allegedly took place did not support the claims of forced sexual relations. Additionally, the victim’s physical examination did not reveal evidence of sexual assault, reinforcing the High Court’s decision.
The High Court’s ruling, delivered on May 16, found no substantial evidence to support the allegations against Lamichhane. The decision is seen as a final resolution to the case, which began with the victim filing a complaint on September 6, 2022.