DHANGADHI: Police are monitoring and investigating the suspects in 13-year-old Nirmala Panta’s rape and murder case, officials said citing that lack of evidence has barred them from making arrests.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Krishna Raj Ojha, officials are monitoring the suspects; however, evidence proving their involvement in the crime has not surfaced.

Although the law enforcement officers claim that the investigation is underway, more than a month has passed  since the brutal rape and murder of the 13-year-old and the perpetrator is yet to be identified.

Moreover, the case has become murkier than it was following the release of accused Dilip Singh Bista whose DNA test reports turned out to be negative.

Women drum steel plates to 'make govt listen'

Female activists in Kanchanpur on Thursday took on the streets drumming steel plates in protest to Nirmala Panta’s rape and murder.

The rally of female activists turned into a corner meet in front of District Administration Office.

“We had to beat plates to make the government listen, as it did not despite pressure from locals who are demanding justice for Nirmala,” activists said.

Likewise, cadres of Nepal Student Union, Kanchanpur also marched to protest administration’s inability to book the perpetrator behind the heinous crime.

According to police, stakeholders organised peaceful protests.