KATHMANDU: The Sarlahi District Court has sentenced Ram Bahadur Bamjan, popularly known as "Little Buddha," to 10 years in jail and a punishment of Rs 500,000 for sexually abusing a youngster. Judge Jeevan Kumar Bhandari's ruling came after Bamjan had already been found guilty of the offense. The victim's family had lodged a complaint at the District Police Office Malangwa, alleging that Bamjan, aged 30 and residing in Nijgadh Municipality-12 of Bara District, had committed the offense while they were at an ashram in Patharkot, Lalbandi Municipality of Sarlahi.

Bamjan, who had been evading arrest for several years, was apprehended by the CIB team from his residence in Budhanilkantha Municipality-6 of Kathmandu. His arrest was a culmination of accusations not only of sexual abuse but also of murder and disappearance of his followers within the ashram. Five families have lodged complaints against him, alleging that three young women and two young men have gone missing while under his influence.

The legal consequences that Bamjan is facing include a fine and sentence. Her acts have generated a great deal of controversy and legal attention. The case brings to light persistent worries about the misuse of authority and sway by religious leaders and the fight for justice for those who have been victims of these crimes in Nepal.