Nepal police have sought help from Interpol, the worldwide police cooperation organization, to locate the country’s most popular cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, who is on the run after a court warrant was issued against him for allegedly raping a minor. If found guilty, the sporting icon may face a sentence of up to 12 years.
“We hope this will help the arrest of Lamichhane for the investigation of a rape complaint case against him,” said Nepal police spokesperson Tek Prasad Rai to AFP. Lamichhane has been suspended from the national team. It is understood that the spinner is currently residing in the Caribbean, where he was representing Jamaica Tallawahs in the T20 league. He had to withdraw his name from the league after the report was filed.
I’ve decided to take a leave from CPL and go back to my country within a few days. I am ready to face all these baseless allegations. Hope the law acts equal for everyone”, he said on September 8.
A day ago he posted a picture of himself on Facebook, where he denied the charges. Lamichhane also added that he has isolated himself from everything as the incident has affected his mental and physical health. He vowed to return to his country once his health improves.
“The news that a warrant has been issued in my name and that the complaint against me has been lodged made me upset and unwell,” Lamichhane wrote on Facebook in Nepali on September 26. “I was not able to think about what to do and what not to do.”
“My health is gradually improving, and I am planning to return to Nepal as soon as possible to defend against the false complaint against me,” he added.
Lamichhane, 22, is the first cricketing superstar from Nepal, and he plies his trade across the globe in T20 franchise leagues. He is also the first Nepali cricketer to get picked up by an Indian Premier League franchise. He was appointed as the captain of Nepal last year. He is also the second-fastest bowler to complete 50 wickets in an ODI.
Lead Image: Sandeep Lamichhane/Twitter