A 13-year-old girl from Miyawari, Biratamod Municipality–4, has allegedly been held in illegal custody and tortured, according to her family. The girl, from Miyawari, Biratamod Municipality–4, has allegedly been held in custody by the Anarmani Police Station since March 13, according to the victim’s family.
The girl’s aunt, Sanjari Khatun, stated that the police detained her under the pretext of investigating a narcotics case and tortured her while in custody.
“The police came under the pretense of searching the house, handcuffed my mother and niece, and took her away. We have not even been allowed to meet her until now,” Sanjari Khatun said.
The victim’s side also alleged that the team led by Constable Navaraj Thapa of Anarmani Police Station damaged property during the house search and took away cash and jewelry.
Dr. Rupak Khanal, Chair of the National Human Rights Network, Jhapa, alleged that the police acted illegally. He stated: “House searches cannot be conducted without a search warrant, and arresting and physically assaulting someone is a violation of human rights.”
Lawyer Taramani Sapkota noted that legal provisions regarding minors are clear: children cannot be arrested and held in custody. He added, “In such cases, children should be placed in the Child Protection Unit under the supervision of plainclothes police during investigation. Even if a minor commits a criminal offense, they cannot be kept in custody.”
Following the incident, the family is seeking justice. They have demanded an investigation into police assault, illegal custody, and property theft.
Regarding the case, Jhapa District Police Office issued a statement on March 18, denying the allegations against the police.
The statement rejected claims circulating on social media and other media that the police had tortured the girl while in custody.
The police stated in the press release that on March 13, they had arrested Masina Khatun, 28 of Miyawari, Biratamod Municipality–4, in connection with a narcotics case and theft incident, and that the investigation into the matter is ongoing.