A controversial spiritual leader known as ”Buddha Boy” has been found guilty by a court in Nepal for sexually assaulting a minor. Ram Bahadur Bomjan, whose followers believe he is the reincarnation of Gautam Buddha, was arrested earlier this year on charges related to the assault of an underage girl and suspicion in the disappearance of several devotees.
The Sarlahi District Court judge pronounced him guilty, with sentencing scheduled for July 1. Ram Bahadur Bomjan faces a potential minimum of 12 years in prison, pending any appeals.
Ram Bahadur Bomjan gained fame in his teens when followers claimed he could meditate without moving for extended periods, allegedly without food, water, or sleep. However, his credibility was questioned when reporters captured him eating and sleeping during supposed meditation sessions.
Accusations of abuse have plagued Ram Bahadur Bomjan for over a decade, with numerous complaints filed against him since 2010. He was apprehended by Nepal’s Central Investigation Bureau in January near Kathmandu, where authorities also seized substantial amounts of local and foreign currency during the arrest.
Despite fleeing authorities for years, Ram Bahadur Bomjan maintained a large following, drawing tens of thousands to witness what were believed to be miraculous displays of meditation deep in Nepal’s jungles. His disappearance for nine months at age 16 led to a widespread vigil by Buddhist monks hoping for his safe return.
