On July 3, a formal complaint was lodged at the District Police Office Jumla, implicating the family of a minor girl, in an alleged case of caste untouchability and discrimination. The complaint arises from an incident that occurred a week prior, following the love marriage between 19-year-old Mukund Nepali and a minor girl.
Bharat Nepali, the brother of Mukund, reported instances of racial harassment and discrimination involving girl’s father (aged 50), and Narayan Giri, girl’s uncle (aged 45). Bharat expressed his concern stating, “While there are legal avenues to address concerns about the legitimacy of the marriage, the act of intentionally setting fire to the Dalit boy’s house was premeditated and has left the family homeless, mere years after constructing a new home.”
Inspector Dharmaraj Joshi from the District Police Office Jumla confirmed that a case pertaining to caste discrimination had been registered against the accused individuals. Furthermore, Brother of the girl was arrested on the same day based on the filed complaint.
Inspector Joshi explained that the brother of the girl, in his statement, admitted to impulsively setting fire to the house. He stated, “There had been previous disputes regarding this matter, but it has come to light that the accused burned down the house in a fit of anger over the couple’s elopement. Now that a case has been registered, a comprehensive investigation into the incident will be conducted.” The inspector added that property valued at 65 lakhs was destroyed in the fire, and Bharat, the victim, has lodged a complaint seeking compensation.
Additionally, the District Police Office Jumla received a school mark sheet, provided by a relative of the girl, suggesting that she may not have reached the age of 15. It remains uncertain whether the couple is legally married at this time. However, there is a possibility of future complaints alleging child marriage, rape, and kidnapping. Inspector Joshi affirmed ongoing investigations into these matters.
