Home Minister Orders Probe into Death of Sexual Assault Survivor in Siraha

Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak has instructed the police to launch a comprehensive investigation into the death of 24-year-old Anandi Devi Sadaya, a resident of Jagatpur, Nawarajpur Rural Municipality-3, Siraha district.

Sadaya, who was reportedly sexually assaulted four months ago, was found dead at her home on Tuesday. The Home Ministry Secretariat stated that Minister Lekhak expressed serious concern over the incident and personally directed Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa to uncover the facts surrounding her death.

According to Superintendent of Police Anantaram Sharma, Sadaya was assaulted on December 24, 2024, by Sanjeev Kumar Yadav (22) and Shyam Sundar Yadav (32) of Bariyarpatti Rural Municipality-1, during a visit to her elder sister’s home. A case was filed against the accused on March 9 on charges of attempted extortion, but both suspects remain at large.

SP Sharma noted that efforts to apprehend the perpetrators have been hampered as they are believed to be hiding in India. Nevertheless, the police continue their search and investigation. He added that he visited the incident site and met with the victim’s family.

Sadaya, who leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, had been living with her parents for the past year. She was discovered hanging in her home while no one else was present, police said.

Her body has been sent to the Provincial Hospital in Lahan for a post-mortem examination. A detailed investigation is ongoing, authorities confirmed.