The Patan High Court has acquitted cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane, overturning Kathmandu District Court’s earlier decision that had found Lamichhane guilty of rape.

The original verdict had sentenced Lamichhane to eight years in prison and imposed a fine of 500,000 NPR.

Judges Sudarshandev Bhatt and Anju Upreti Dhakal delivered the acquittal, concluding that the evidence presented was insufficient to uphold the conviction. This decision follows Lamichhane’s appeal against the lower court’s ruling.

Patan court registrar Bimal Parajuli confirmed the acquittal, highlighting the court’s decision to dismiss the charges against Lamichhane.

Meanwhile, CAN has lifted the suspension of Sandeep Lamichhane from all domestic and international activities issuing a release.