KATHMANDU, Nepal — A court in southern Nepal has found a controversial spiritual leader known as “Buddha Boy” guilty of sexually assaulting a minor.
Ram Bahadur Bhanjan, believed by some to be the reincarnation of Buddhism’s founder, was arrested by police in January on charges of sexual assault and involvement in the disappearance of at least four followers from his camp.
A Salahi District Court judge found him guilty of sexually assaulting an underage girl on Monday and said the sentence would be handed down on July 1. A case related to the disappearance of his followers remains pending trial.
He faces at least 12 years in prison, but can still appeal the conviction.
Many Nepalese believe that Bhanjan is a reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in southwestern Nepal about 2,600 years ago and was revered as the Buddha. Buddhist scholars are skeptical of Bhanjan’s claims.
Bhanjan was arrested at a house on the outskirts of the country’s capital, Kathmandu, after jumping from a second-floor window in an attempt to escape.
Police said they seized $227,000 worth of Nepali currency and $23,000 worth of foreign currency during the arrests.
Bhanjan rose to fame in southern Nepal in 2005 when he claimed he could meditate for months without moving, sitting under a tree without food or water.
Although his popularity has dwindled due to accusations of sexual and physical assault against his followers, he still maintains a camp in southern Nepal where thousands come to worship and live.
