Probe begins into teen’s gang rape, suspicious death in Siraha

KATHMANDU: The Madhesh Province Police has launched an investigation into the gang rape and suspicious death of 17-year-old Rinkukumari Sada from Bhagwatipur, Navarajpur Rural Municipality-1, Siraha.

The probe follows widespread public outrage and allegations of a local “Panchayati” settlement attempt.

Police Investigation Underway

After news of the incident surfaced, the Madhesh Province Police Office in Janakpur formed a five-member investigation team led by SSP Shantiraj Koirala on Tuesday. Besides the district police, SSP Koirala’s team visited the victim’s home to gather information.

Inspector Bikram Sah, a member of the team, revealed that during on-site inquiries, the family and locals disclosed that a “Panchayati” (traditional village settlement) took place after the gang rape became public. Reports suggest that financial negotiations were also involved in the settlement attempt.

The province police have notified the Area Police Office in Lahan regarding the matter and are actively assisting in the investigation.

“The province police team is overseeing and supporting the investigation. We have provided crucial evidence to the local police and instructed them to ensure the security of the victim’s family,” Inspector Sah said.

Additionally, the Lahan police have urged the victim’s family to file a supplementary complaint identifying all those involved.

Incident and Panchayati Attempt

On the night of Feb 9, Rinkukumari Sada was gang-raped by three local youths while she was out for a restroom break. She returned home the following morning.

Instead of reporting the crime immediately, a Panchayati meeting, involving local ward members, was held on the second and third days in an attempt to settle the matter informally.

Shockingly, on the evening of Feb 12, Rinkukumari was found hanging inside her home. Her family claims the room was locked from the outside, raising suspicions about the circumstances of her death.

The following Thursday, leaders from the Musahar community, along with her relatives, filed a complaint at the Lahan Area Police Office.

Allegations of police interference

The family accused the police of limiting their complaint to one individual despite them initially naming four suspects: Rupesh Mandal, Chandan Sah, and Ramvinay Mandal for rape, and Rampukar Mandal for issuing threats.

However, DSP Birendra Kumar Paswan, spokesperson for the Siraha District Police, stated that they were proceeding based on the complaint filed against one person for abetment to suicide.

Call for justice & compensation

The Dalit Women’s Association has condemned the incident, stating that attempts by local representatives to suppress the crime and pressure the victim’s family undermine the legal system.

In a statement on Tuesday, the association demanded strict action against those involved, along with security, relief, and compensation for the victim’s family.