Nepal court convicts 'Buddha Boy' of child sex abuse

A controversial spiritual leader in Nepal, known as "Buddha Boy," has been convicted of child sexual abuse by a district court in Sarlahi. Ram Bahadur Bomjan, believed by some to be a reincarnation of Buddha, gained fame for his alleged ability to meditate motionless for extended periods without food, water, or sleep. Despite having a devoted following, Bomjan has faced numerous accusations of physical and sexual assault against his followers over the years. The 33-year-old guru was arrested by Nepal's Central Investigation Bureau in January at a house near Kathmandu, where authorities found large sums of cash in Nepali rupees and foreign currency. The court's decision to convict Bomjan on child sex abuse charges comes after multiple assault complaints were filed against him, including an accusation of rape by an 18-year-old nun in 2018. Additionally, an investigation was launched following the disappearance of four of his devotees from one of his ashrams. Bomjan's conviction for sexually assaulting a minor could result in a prison sentence of at least 12 years, with sentencing scheduled for July 1. Despite claims of being the reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, Bomjan's credibility has been questioned by Buddhist scholars. His popularity has waned due to the allegations against him, but he continues to maintain camps in southern Nepal where followers gather to worship or reside. The case of Ram Bahadur Bomjan highlights the complex and troubling issues surrounding spiritual leaders and their followers, particularly in cases involving allegations of abuse. The conviction serves as a significant development in the ongoing legal proceedings against Bomjan, shedding light on the challenges of balancing faith and accountability within religious communities. As the sentencing date approaches, the impact of the court's decision on Bomjan's followers and the broader public perception of spiritual leaders in Nepal remains to be seen.