Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane on Monday (August 28) flew to Pakistan for the upcoming Asia Cup after his rape trial was postponed.
Lamichhane, 23, was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl in a Kathmandu hotel room in August last year. The leg-spinner has denied all wrongdoing brought against him and is currently on bail.
Taking to social media platform X, the leg-spinner posted a couple of pictures of him boarding a flight and wrote: “Off to Pakistan. Have so many wonderful memories of being in Pakistan before. Really excited and looking forward to the Asia Cup. Specail thanks to the Member Secretery of Nepal Sports Council Mr. @TankaLalGhising Sir for your kind gesture. Tons of love to all the well wishers. #JaiNepal @qatarairways.”
Meanwhile, the minor rape victim in Lamichhane’s case attempted suicide on the eve of the expected final hearing, informed the police.
The police said that the girl attempted suicide through a medicine overdose and is admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu.
“She consumed medicine exceeding the limits prescribed by doctors. She is said to have had a panic attack for a few days because of which she took medicines exceeding the dosage prescribed by the doctors. Her condition is out of danger and is at a private hospital in Kathmandu,” Kumod Dhungel, the spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range, told ANI over the phone.
According to the police official, the victim was having constant panic attacks for a few days and she attempted suicide on Saturday (August 26).
The hearing over the case has been delayed time and again citing various reasons. The latest hearing on Sunday (August 27) was postponed until September 7, confirmed Lamichhane's lawyer Saroj Ghimire.
Sandeep Lamichhane, who was previously suspended as the national captain and arrested, was released on bail in January 2023. Subsequently, Nepal lifted his playing ban.
Under the conditions of his bail, Lamichhane has been able to travel abroad, including to Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers.
The 2023 edition of Asia Cup, featuring six teams, is all set to get underway on August 30. Nepal will take on hosts Pakistan in the tournament opener in Multan.
