KATHMANDU: A seven-year-old girl from Diprung, Khotang, has staged a protest at Maitighar Mandala, demanding justice for her mother, who was raped and murdered eight months ago. The girl and her family allege that local authorities failed to conduct a proper investigation into the crime.
Sitting in protest at Maitighar, she has become a poignant symbol of a family’s search for accountability, raising broader questions about the state’s response to serious crimes and the effectiveness of investigative processes.
Family alleges lapses in investigation
The victim, 27-year-old Reshmika Pariyar, was reported missing on July 14, 2025. Her body was later found in a forest along her usual route home from work in Khotang.
Originally from Jantedhunga Rural Municipality and living in Diprung Chuiyamma Rural Municipality, she was employed at a local cooperative. On the day she disappeared, she did not return home, prompting concern among family members.
Her body was discovered about 150 meters inside the Marsi Community Forest. Preliminary findings indicated she died of suffocation after being restrained.
Police arrested a 14-year-old local boy, Deepak Sarki, who, according to investigators, confessed to the crime, saying he acted after the victim rejected his advances.
The family, however, has rejected the conclusion that he acted alone.
Family questions official account
Relatives argue that the nature of the crime and physical evidence at the scene suggest the involvement of multiple perpetrators. They point to signs of a prolonged struggle, including disturbed ground and vegetation across several areas.
“We believe more than one person was involved. There is evidence, but our concerns have not been addressed,” a relative said at the protest site.
They also allege that clothing believed to belong to another individual was recovered from the scene but was not properly examined.
The family says it has filed complaints naming additional suspects but no further action has been taken. They have expressed concern that those responsible may be being shielded through influence.
After months of seeking action at the district level, the family says it felt compelled to bring its protest to the capital.
“We tried every available channel locally but did not receive justice,” a family member said. “We came to Maitighar because it is where people are heard.”
The family is covering its own expenses and says it will continue the protest until its demands are addressed.
Police stand by findings
The District Police Office Khotang maintains that available evidence points to a single perpetrator.
Officials said the case began with a missing person report, followed by a search operation involving local residents, which led to the discovery of the body near a forested roadside.
While the family has alleged a gang assault, police say preliminary evidence supports the involvement of the detained minor alone.
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