Masked group sets house on fire, attempts to kill woman

KATHMANDU: A horrifying incident unfolded late Saturday night in Kasubang, Ward No. 8 of Musikot Municipality, when an unidentified group set a house ablaze and attempted to murder 58-year-old Dhanmati Gharti, the homeowner.

According to the police, the attack occurred around 11 PM while Dhanmati was alone at home.

Her husband was working in a neighboring village, and her daughter-in-law had gone to a nearby house, leaving her by herself.

Recounting the terrifying night from her hospital bed at Kohalpur Teaching Hospital, Dhanmati said she was preparing to sleep when she suddenly noticed her house on fire. “I ran out to save myself and tried to rescue the livestock from the shed. While I was shouting for help, a person with a fully covered face grabbed me by the neck and tried to kill me,” she said. “I screamed for help, and the attacker shoved dirt into my mouth to silence me. Fortunately, neighbors heard my cries and came running, prompting the assailant to flee.”

Dhanmati’s eldest daughter, Ramita Budha, shared more details about the aftermath. “I was informed about the incident around midnight and rushed to my maternal home. We immediately took my mother to the hospital,” she said. “Since treatment was not available at the district hospital, we brought her here to Kohalpur. She’s currently undergoing treatment.”

Ramita suspects that the attack was premeditated with the intent to kill. “We have filed a complaint with the police against a few individuals we suspect. We are demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against the perpetrators,” she added.

District Police Chief Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pramesh Bista confirmed that a complaint has been lodged and an investigation is underway. “We have received the victim’s statement and are investigating through our own procedures. However, it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions,” he said.

Dhanmati lives with her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and has two daughters. Her husband and daughter-in-law were not at home during the incident. Her son is currently working in India, the eldest daughter is married and lives in Musikot-6, and the youngest daughter had been employed in Kuwait.

Following the incident, her husband, daughter-in-law, and eldest daughter reaached at the scene the same night.

Her youngest daughter flew in from Kuwait on an emergency ticket and reached the hospital yesterday, while the son is reportedly preparing to return from India soon.

Authorities continue to investigate the case as the family seeks justice for what appears to be a deliberate and life-threatening attack.