KATHMANDU, MARCH 10

The 16-year-old minor, prime accused in the rape and murder of Bhagarathi Bhatta of Baitadi district, has been remanded to a correction centre by District Court, Baitadi.

A single bench of Justice Tilak Bahadur Karki gave out the order after hearing the case.

The accused was arrested for the rape and subsequent murder of the teenage girl from Dogadakedar Rural Municipality-7 in Baitadi district. He has been charged with murdering Bhatta after raping her. The government attorney's office, on Tuesday, had handed him over to the court.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Narayan Prasad Adhikari, chief of Baitadi District Police Office, the district court remanded the accused to a correction centre as he is below the age of 18 years. The minor is being sent to a correction centre in Doti, on Wednesday.

Bhagarathi, who had attended her school on February 3 never made it home. She was found the next day, lifeless, in a local community forest. The accused, who was the victim's schoolmate and neighbour, had confessed to his crimes.

He had admitted to his involvement in the rape and murder of Bhagarathi. He was made public by the Sudurpaschim Provincial Police during a press conference held at Baitadi District Police Office, on February 17.

He said in his confession that his family and the victim's family had strained relations. He further admitted that he was waiting for the 'right opportunity' to act on his premeditated plans to assault his schoolmate.