Kathamndu: In the ongoing rape case involving cricket player Sandeep Lamichhane, the Kathmandu District Court has issued an order to verify the birth date of the victim's mother. The move is a crucial step in the process of addressing the allegations of rape against Sandeep.

Sandeep, who was the captain of the national cricket team at the time, was indicted on charges of raping a minor, just a day before the Nepali national cricket tour. His status and stardom as a cricketer seem to have been misused to exploit an innocent girl.

Sandeep's legal representative, Murari Sapkota, disclosed that Judge Rajukumar Khatiwada's bench issued the directive on Thursday. This directive underscores the importance of accurate information in the case and aims to clarify any discrepancies in the victim's mother's age documentation.

Initially slated to proceed, the court's hearing encountered uncertainties due to conflicting details regarding the victim's mother's age. Her age appeared to be inconsistent with the information provided in the victim's records. Consequently, the court deemed it necessary to verify the authenticity of her birth date.

Earlier, on Falgun 15th, 2079, the Supreme Court decided to transfer the case against Sandeep from the fast track. Despite several scheduled hearings, the trial faced postponements due to Sandeep's involvement in the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe. Upon his return, the court is expected to recommence the case proceedings.

The allegations surfaced on Bhadra 21, 2079, when a teenage girl lodged a complaint against Sandeep, who was then the captain of Nepal's national cricket team. The complaint accused him of rape and was registered at the Gaushala Police Circle.

During the initial stages of the case, Sandeep was abroad participating in the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies. This led to his suspension by the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN).

In response to Sandeep's international absence, Interpol issued a diffusion notice on Asoj 10, 2079, in response to a request from the Nepal Police. Sandeep's subsequent return to Nepal on Asoj 20, 2079, resulted in his arrest at the airport.

In the preliminary hearings conducted by the Kathmandu District Court, Sandeep's detention was ordered for the purpose of initial investigation on 18th Kartik, 2079.

Following this, Sandeep appealed the district court's decision to a higher court. On January 28, the High Court conditionally released him on a 2 million bond.

The conditions of Sandeep's release included restrictions on foreign travel, mandatory police reporting outside the Kathmandu Valley, and refraining from any form of direct or indirect contact with the victim.

Both the Attorney General's office and Sandeep contested the High Court's order, leading to an appeal in the Supreme Court. On Falgun 12, 2079, Sandeep filed a writ petition with the Supreme Court, seeking permission to travel abroad for cricket engagements. Concurrently, the Attorney General's office advocated for Sandeep's custody and the continuation of the case.

In a verdict on Falgun 15, the Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Patan High Court, allowing Sandeep to travel abroad for cricket commitments while the case proceedings continued. The Supreme Court emphasized the urgency of expediting the case's resolution.