KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A court in southern Nepal has convicted a controversial spiritual leader known as “Buddha Boy” on charges of sexually assaulting a minor. Ram Bahadur Bamjan, believed by some to be the reincarnation of the founder of Buddhism, was arrested in January on charges of sexual assault and suspicion of involvement in the disappearance of at least four of his followers from his camps.
A judge at the Sarlahi District Court found him guilty on Monday of sexually assaulting an underage girl, with sentencing scheduled for July 1. The charges related to the disappearances of his followers are still pending trial. If sentenced, Bamjan could face at least 12 years in jail, but he has the option to appeal his conviction.
