Nepal’s ‘Buddha Boy’ Ram Bahadur Bomjan Sentenced to 10 Years for Child Sex Abuse

Ram Bahadur Bomjan, known as the ‘Buddha Boy,’ was sentenced to 10 years in jail and fined half-a-million Nepali rupees for child sex abuse by the Sarlahi District Court. Bomjan, who claimed to be a reincarnation of Gautam Buddha, was arrested in January 2023. His two aides, Jit Bahadur Tamang and Gyan Bahadur Bomjan, were acquitted in the same case.

The 34-year-old spiritual leader, originally named Ram Lal Bomjan, has been accused of multiple crimes, including rape and the disappearance of disciples. Bomjan gained public attention in 2005 after claiming to meditate for months without food, water, or sleep. He later established ashrams in various districts of Nepal.

The case that led to his conviction was filed by a 15-year-old female disciple, who accused Bomjan of rape in August 2016. The victim stated that she kept the incident hidden due to threats from Bomjan. Following the complaint, police discovered that four of his disciples had also gone missing from his ashram.

Despite being worshipped and regarded as a reincarnation of Gautam Buddha, Bomjan has faced numerous allegations and was on the run since early 2020 until his arrest.