Nepal’s ‘Buddha Boy’ Ram Bomjan Held Over Rape Allegations; 30 Million Seized from His Residence
Nepal police have apprehended the controversial spiritual leader, Ram Bahadur Bomjan, known as the ‘Buddha Boy,’ on charges of rape and disappearances at his ashrams. Authorities confiscated more than 30 million Nepalese Rupee from his residence.
The 33-year-old guru was arrested on Tuesday by the Central Bureau of Investigation of Nepal Police, as reported by The Kathmandu Post. According to the chargesheet, Bomjan stands accused of raping a 15-year-old girl who was residing in his ashram in Pattharkot, Sarlahi, posing as a nun. The chargesheet reveals that he lured the minor to his private quarters in August 2016 and carried out the heinous act. Additionally, he allegedly threatened the girl with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident to others.
Ram Bomjan gained prominence as a teenager, earning the moniker Buddha Boy due to his followers’ claims that he could meditate for extended periods without water, food, or sleep. Despite his devout following, Bomjan has faced longstanding accusations of physical and sexual assault against his followers and had evaded authorities for several years.
Police spokesperson Kuber Kadayat stated, He was arrested after absconding for several years, adding, He has several allegations against him, including disappearances and sexual exploitation. In 2010, numerous assault complaints were lodged against Bomjan, who justified his actions by claiming the victims disturbed his meditation.
Furthermore, an 18-year-old nun accused the guru of rape at a monastery in 2018, leading to a special investigation by the police in 2019. The families of four of Bomjan’s devotees, who reportedly vanished from one of his ashrams, filed a complaint that same year. A separate case of sexual exploitation against him was registered in the following year in Sarlahi, located south of the capital, Kathmandu. Despite mounting allegations, Bomjan remained influential while evading authorities.
At one point, tens of thousands of people flocked to witness his alleged meditative miracles deep in the jungle. When he was 16 years old, Bomjan disappeared for nine months, embarking on an arduous journey through the wilderness of eastern Nepal. His disappearance prompted Buddhist monks to conduct a round-the-clock vigil, praying for his safe return.
The arrest of Ram Bahadur Bomjan signifies a significant development in the ongoing investigations into the allegations of disappearances and sexual assault, shedding light on the dark side of this revered spiritual leader. As legal proceedings continue, authorities strive to ensure justice for the victims and hold those accountable for their actions.
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