Authorities Confiscate More Than Rs33 Million in Cash from Ram Bahadur Bomjan’s Home

In a startling turn of events, Nepali police have seized more than Rs30 million from the residence of the controversial spiritual leader, Ram Bahadur Bomjan, also known as the ‘Buddha Boy.’ Senior Superintendent of Police Dinesh Acharya revealed that the authorities discovered Nepali currency worth Rs30.3 million and Rs3.092 million in foreign currency from Bomjan’s residence in Budhanilkantha.

The 34-year-old, whose real identity was disclosed as Ram Lal Bomjan, was apprehended on Tuesday by the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police at approximately 7:15 pm. His arrest followed a dramatic attempt to escape authorities as he reportedly jumped from the fourth floor of his house.

During a subsequent search of Bomjan’s residence, police seized various items, including a key to an SUV, billbooks for three two-wheelers, and a plethora of electronic devices such as laptops, pen drives, iPads, tablets, and mobile phones.

The arrest and seizure come in the wake of a prolonged search for Bomjan, who has been facing multiple charges, including allegations of sexual exploitation of his disciples. In July 2020, a case was filed against him in the District Court in Sarlahi, accusing him of raping a 15-year-old girl residing in his ashram in Pattharkot, Sarlahi. The chargesheet detailed the incident, claiming that Bomjan had lured the minor to his private quarters on August 4, 2016, and further accused him of threatening the girl to keep quiet about the incident.

The police press release stated that preparations are underway to take Bomjan to the Sarlahi District Court for further legal proceedings.

Apart from the sexual exploitation charges, Bomjan was also wanted in connection with the disappearances of four of his disciples. In June 2020, a joint team from the Central Investigation Bureau, the Bagmati Provincial Police, and district police offices in Kavre, Sindhupalchok, and Sarlahi had raided his ashram in Pairey Sindhuli but failed to locate him.

Ram Bahadur Bomjan gained international fame in 2005 for his alleged months-long meditation without food, water, or sleep. He earned the moniker ‘Buddha Boy’ from the media. Following this fame, Bomjan and his followers established ashrams in Bara, Sarlahi, Sindhupalchok, and Sindhuli districts.

The arrest and seizure of significant funds have intensified the scrutiny on the once-revered spiritual leader, raising questions about the financial dealings and the numerous charges he faces. As the legal process unfolds, the public awaits further revelations surrounding the downfall of the ‘Buddha Boy’ and the unraveling of the controversies that have surrounded him for years.