Brutal murder of toddler in Itahari

KATHMANDU: A horrific incident occurred in Itahari, where a one-and-a-half-year-old girl was brutally murdered on Saturday at around 3:40 PM.

The crime took place at a rented room in Pachrukhi, Itahari-5.

According to the Itahari Area Police Office, 30-year-old Saligram Luitel, who was staying in the house of local Manhari Dhakal, is the prime suspect in the murder of his niece, one-and-a-half-year-old Ainsu Luitel.

The police confirmed that Saligram used a blade to cut the girl’s neck and head.

A police officer stated it was found that the suspect was the victim’s uncle.

The police have apprehended Saligram at the scene with the blade used in the crime.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Saligram had been taking medication for depression and appeared to be mentally ill. It was also found that he had previously suffered a spinal injury from jumping off a roof a few years ago.

The officer added, “The investigation revealed that Saligram had broken his spine by jumping off a roof a few years ago and had been on depression medication. As the incident is recent, we have not yet completed our investigation.”

The victim’s father, Nawaraj Luitel, is currently employed abroad. Saligram had been living with the victim’s mother, aunt, and niece.

The police immediately recovered the blade from Saligram’s possession.

“Given the circumstances, it appears that the blade was used to cut the neck and head,” the officer said. “Since the blade was recovered from the scene, it is evident that the murder was committed with it. However, further investigation is ongoing.”

The body of the deceased girl has been sent for postmortem at the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan, and further investigation into the case has been initiated by the Itahari police.

They are continuing their investigation from various angles.