A 13-year-old girl was allegedly raped on 30 August 2024 by Arun Kumar Mahato, 23, a teacher from Hariban Municipality–9, Sarlahi.
The girl, originally from a settlement in Urlabari Municipality–1, Morang, and living in Taplejung at the time, was also threatened after the incident.
Local residents of Aathrai Tribeni Rural Municipality–1 noticed her distress and informed the INSEC Taplejung representative the same day. After coordinating with the police, INSEC encouraged that a formal complaint be filed.
During preliminary inquiries, the police learned that the girl’s parents were residing in Urlabari Municipality–1. However, due to financial hardship, the family stated they were unable to travel to Taplejung to register a complaint, which prevented further action.
INSEC therefore sought authorization from the Ward Office of Urlabari Municipality–1 to file the complaint on behalf of the minor. Ward Chair Bishmaraj Budhatoki granted this approval.
With this authorization, INSEC filed the complaint at the Taplejung District Police Office on 30 August 2024, and the accused was taken into custody the same day. The girl underwent a health examination at the District Hospital on 31 August 2024.
After completing the investigation, the police filed a case through the District Attorney’s Office at the District Court on 22 September 2024. On 23 October 2024, a bench led by Judge Bikash Shrestha ordered that the accused be held in judicial custody.
Inspector Kalam Lungele stated that the minor’s family, living in a settlement with limited resources, had no one able to initiate the legal process on their behalf. INSEC’s support made it possible for authorities to proceed with the case.
On 13 November 2024, Judge Bikash Shrestha issued a decision finding the accused responsible for the offence and ordered 18 years of imprisonment, NPR 700,000 in compensation to the minor, and an additional NPR 2,800 to be deposited in the Victim Relief Fund, according to Court Officer Roshan Basnet.
INSEC’s intervention not only enabled the minor to access justice, but the compensation decision has also provided further support to the family.