In a startling development, a Nepali court has convicted a man whom thousands believed to be a reincarnation of the Buddha on charges of child sexual abuse. On Tuesday, the verdict was confirmed by Sadan Adhikari, the registrar of the Sarlahi district court.
‘Buddha Boy’ draws international attention
Ram Bahadur Bamjon, known as the ‘Buddha Boy,’ gained worldwide fame as a teenager in 2005. He garnered attention when tens of thousands of people flocked to witness him sitting in meditation under a tree in a dense forest in southeastern Nepal for almost 10 months. Devotees claimed that Bamjon could meditate for days without the need for water, food, or sleep.
Guilty verdict and sentencing
Adhikari stated that Bamjon, now 33, was found guilty of child sexual abuse, although specific details were not disclosed. The court is scheduled to announce Bamjon’s sentence on July 1, which could potentially result in up to 14 years of imprisonment for the once-revered figure.
Response from Bamjon and legal counsel
Despite efforts to reach out to him, Bamjon could not be contacted for his response to the verdict. His lawyer, Dilip Kumar Jha, vehemently denied the charges, asserting that there was no substantial evidence against his client. Jha also indicated that they intend to appeal the court’s decision to a higher judicial body.
Arrest and trial background
Bamjon’s legal troubles began in January when he was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police. The arrest took place at a residence on the outskirts of Kathmandu, where he had been hiding since the court issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with the allegations of sexual abuse. The case has not only shocked many of his followers but also raised questions about the perception and portrayal of spiritual figures. The trial has highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability and justice, irrespective of one’s perceived status or influence.