A spiritual enigma wrapped in controversy, straddling the line between divine asceticism and grave allegations.
Ram Bahadur Bomjon, known as “Buddha Boy,” captivated the world’s attention in the mid-2000s for allegedly meditating without food or water for months in the Nepalese jungle, drawing comparisons to Gautama Buddha. Initially hailed as a spiritual prodigy, his story is marred by subsequent allegations of violence, sexual assault, and even kidnappings, challenging the perceptions of his divinity and leading to legal action against him.
Early Fascination and Mystique
Bomjon’s journey into the public eye began in 2005 when he was reported to meditate motionless for extended periods in the Nepalese jungle, claiming not to consume food or water. This claim attracted global media, spiritual seekers, and curious onlookers, leading to a documentary by the Discovery Channel to investigate these miraculous assertions. His sudden disappearances and reappearances added to the mystique, with Bomjon asserting the need for solitude to gain wisdom for the world.
Controversies and Legal Troubles
However, this fascination with Bomjon took a dark turn as allegations surfaced. Reports of violence emerged in 2010 when he was accused of assaulting villagers who allegedly disturbed his meditation. The situation escalated with more severe accusations, including the kidnapping and sexual assault of followers. Notably, in 2012, a Slovak woman was reportedly kidnapped and held by Bomjon’s followers, leading to a police rescue operation. Despite his followers’ defense, these incidents painted a starkly different picture of the “Buddha Boy.”
Arrest and Investigation
Bomjon’s controversies peaked with his arrest in January 2024, following an arrest warrant issued in 2020. Nepalese police apprehended him, uncovering substantial sums of money and multiple electronic devices, suggesting a complex operation behind his spiritual facade. This arrest brought to light the challenges in separating Bomjon’s initial spiritual appeal from the grave allegations against him, prompting a reevaluation of his legacy within and beyond the Nepalese community.
image via Religion News Service
