In a massive development, Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane has been arrested by Kathmandu police on the charges of raping a minor.
News agency ANI reported that Lamichhane was taken into custody following his arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Earlier, Lamichhane had shared a note on his official Facebook page, saying that he will return to Nepal to “fully cooperate in all stages of investigation,” and will “fight legal battle to prove my innocence.”
"As per my sincere commitment to submit myself to the authority of Nepal, I am landing at 10:00 am from Qatar Airways in the Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu," he wrote.
Denying any wrongdoing, the former Nepal captain further added that he will seek legal support against wrongful prosecution and allegations.
"I am sure I will get justice and will return to the cricket ground soon to make the name and fame of my beloved country and I pray for a speedy trial. I will fully cooperate in all stages of the investigation and will fight a legal battle to prove my innocence. Let the justice prevail."
Last month, an arrest warrant was issued against Sandeep Lamichhane after a 17-year-old girl accused him of rape. The girl had also alleged that Lamichhane took her to various places in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur on August 21 and brought her to a hotel in Sinamangal, where she was raped the same night.
A diffusion notice was also issued from INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization) as he was mostly in unknown location since the registration of the case against him.
