NAWALPUR: At a time when citizens across the country are raising their voices against rape and violence against women and children, rape of yet another minor has come to light in Nawalparasi.

A seven year old girl from Kawasoti Municipality in the district had been raped a little over a month ago on October 13. According to Distict Police Office (DPO), the minor was raped by a local, Som Bahadur Tamang alias Moktan Kaila of about 50 years of age.

Due to lack of awareness in the victim's family, the incident was not reported or made public. Police said, it came out into the open after the girl went back to school post festival holidays.

Principal of the local community school, where the girl child studies in Grade 2, informed that they came to know about the incident after asking questions on noticing that the girl was sitting and walking with difficulty.

On receiving information about the incident from the girl and her parents, the school filed a complaint with police, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Lilaraj Lamichhane, adding that medical treatment has been provided to the child.

Police further informed that an immediate surgery at Bharatpur Hospital was carried out on the victim whose private parts sustained deep injuries. According to family sources, the child's health has improved after the surgery.

Meanwhile, accused Tamang ran away from his house after coming to know that a complaint had been lodged at the police office. Police have arrested him from Gaindakot where he had been hiding.

A case will be filed against Tamang on the charge of rape, said the DPO.