Eight Arrested in Connection with Rinku Kumari’s Death

Police have arrested eight individuals in connection with the gang rape and subsequent suspicious death of 17-year-old Rinku Kumari Sada from Bhagawatipur, Nawarajpur Rural Municipality-1, Siraha.

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shantiraj Koirala, who is also the coordinator of the investigation committee, the arrested individuals include those involved in attempting to cover up the incident and settle the case through reconciliation, as well as witnesses to the plot. SSP Koirala stated that if their involvement in suppressing the crime is proven, further legal action will be taken.

The tragic incident occurred on February 9 when the teenage girl was abducted and gang-raped by three youths while she was on her way to the toilet from her home. Rinku had disclosed that she was sexually assaulted by multiple individuals.

Following the crime, a local panchayat (a traditional village council) was convened to settle the matter. However, on February 12, Rinku was found dead, hanging at her home.

Initially, the Area Police Office in Lahan had launched an investigation into the case as an abetment to suicide. However, the Madhes Province Police Office took over the probe after learning that the girl had been a victim of gang rape.

On Thursday, the victim’s family filed additional complaints against eight individuals, including five members of the panchayat, accusing them of attempted murder, rape, hostage-taking, and pressuring for reconciliation.

The victim’s body has been sent to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan for a postmortem examination. However, the report is still pending, according to SSP Koirala.

The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting concerns over gender-based violence and the role of traditional justice systems in such crimes. Authorities have assured a thorough investigation to ensure justice for Rinku Kumari.