Man nicknamed 'Buddha Boy' arrested on rape charges

Nepal Police have arrested Ram Bahadur Bomjan, nicknamed "Buddha Boy" since his youth, on charges of rape and disappearance.

"The man has been arrested after years of hiding," Nepalese police spokesman Kuber Kadayat said on January 10, referring to Ram Bahadur Bomjan, 33.

Bomjan became famous as a teenager because of reports that he could sit motionless in meditation for months without food, water, or sleep. Bomjan was revered by many, who believed he was the reincarnation of Buddha. At the age of 16, Bomjan disappeared for nine months into the wilderness of eastern Nepal, prompting monks to pray day and night for Bomjan’s safe return.

Nepalese police arrested Bomjan in the capital Kathmandu after issuing a warrant for his arrest for allegedly raping a minor at an ashram in Sarlahi, a district south of the capital. When he was arrested, police found Bomjan carrying 30 million Nepalese rupees (about $225,000) and $22,500 in foreign currency.

Ram Bahadur Bomjan in Bara district, Nepal, in November 2008. Photo: AFP

Dozens of complaints have been filed against Bomjan since 2010. Bomjan has said he beat his victims because he was disturbed during their meditation. In 2018, an 18-year-old nun accused Bomjan of raping her at his hermitage.

A year later, Nepalese police launched an investigation into Bomjan after four of his followers were reported missing by their families. Nepalese investigation agency official Dinesh Acharya said on January 10 that the whereabouts of the four were still unknown.

Before going into hiding, Bomjan still led a group of followers. At one point, tens of thousands gathered to witness Bomjan meditating deep in the forest.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP )

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