47-Year-Old rape victim accused police of supporting 30-year-old rape accused Sangesh Limbu, of Ilam Municipality-3.
During a press conference held on October 17, 2023, the victim alleged that the police did not register a complaint against the Sangesh, on September 12. In addition, it was revealed that Sangesh sexually assaulted her on September 9. However, upon reporting the incident to the District Police Office on September 12, her complaint was not registered by the authorities. Furthermore, they registered unrelated complaints instead. Additionally, she pointed out that the court did not grant an extension for the investigation against the accused, based on the complaint prepared by the police.
The court refused to grant an extension in the case against the accused. In contrast, the accused allegedly threatened the victim with harm if she brought the case out. the victim further alleged that the police had provided protection to the accused.
Chandra Rai, a ward member of Deumai Municipality-3, express that the victim had to face police suppression when she reported a case as sensitive as rape.
DSP Basudeb Khatiwada of the District Police Office mentioned that despite the accused’s arrest on September 12, he was subsequently released after the court did not set a deadline in that case. He claimed that the police are investigating the incident.
Biplab Bhattarai, Chairperson of the Journalists’ Association, reported that at the the issue of the police not showing interest in the investigation was brought to the attention of the Journalists’ Association, Ilam branch after the victim’s press conference and her appeal to human rights activists and journalists. He stated that journalists are committed to taking action to ensure justice for the victim by reporting the incident where the victim has been further victimized by the police.
The health examination of the victim was conducted at the District Hospital on September 12.