KATHMANDU: The arrest of Niharika Rajput and Binu Yadav during a protest demanding justice has sparked criticism against the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, with some accusing the administration of adopting a double standard.
Rajput and Yadav staged a sit-in outside the southern gate of Singha Durbar on July 13 after they were allegedly denied a meeting with Home Minister Sudan Gurung while seeking justice. The two protesters sat on the road at the restricted zone entrance despite heavy rainfall.
Police later detained both women after they attempted to stage another protest near the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar. They have been kept in custody after the Kathmandu District Administration Office granted permission to hold them for five days for investigation under a public peace-related offence.
Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwar Raj Paudel approved the detention period on Thursday.
Rajput has been campaigning for justice in a case involving allegations of rape against Shivaraj Shrestha. She had demanded a DNA test to establish the identity of her child’s father, claiming that she was sexually assaulted as a teenager after being given intoxicating substances.
Following her prolonged protest, including a self-immolation attempt outside the President’s Office in Sheetal Niwas in August 2022, the government came under pressure to conduct a DNA test. The test later confirmed Shrestha as the biological father of the child.
However, Rajput has continued her campaign, arguing that she has yet to receive full justice and that issues related to child support and alleged domestic violence remain unresolved.
During his tenure as mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Prime Minister Balen Shah had visited Rajput at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital after her self-immolation attempt and expressed support for her demand.
At the time, Shah had publicly questioned why a mother had to take extreme steps simply to demand a DNA test for her child and criticized the state’s handling of the case.
The recent detention of Rajput has led to questions over the government’s response, with critics pointing out that Shah had previously supported her cause while in opposition to the then-government.
Alongside Rajput, Binu Yadav was also detained. Yadav has been involved in protests demanding faster legal action in a case related to marital violence and domestic abuse. She had earlier drawn attention after throwing red paint inside the premises of the Patan High Court as a form of protest against delays in justice.
Following the arrests, several individuals on social media questioned the government’s approach toward victims seeking justice.
Critics argued that leaders often raise voices for citizens’ rights while outside power but face criticism when similar protests occur under their own administration.
Social media users also questioned the legal basis for charging Rajput and Yadav under public peace offences, while raising concerns about the welfare of Rajput’s child and the state’s responsibility toward protecting children’s best interests.
Journalist Himal Saud questioned the silence of leaders who had previously supported Rajput’s struggle, saying that commitment to citizens’ rights should remain consistent regardless of whether one is in government or opposition.
Others criticized the government’s handling of the protest, arguing that the state should respond to demands for justice through dialogue and legal processes rather than detention.
Meanwhile, police have defended the action, stating that Rajput and Yadav were taken into custody after attempting to protest in a restricted area near Baluwatar. The investigation against them is ongoing.
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