Key Takeaways:
- 10 accused released: one on Rs 20,000 bail, nine on ordinary dates
- Court cited insufficient evidence for their involvement
- Two juveniles ordered to correctional home in Birgunj
- One juvenile confessed, another denied involvement
- the victim went missing Aug 16, found dead Aug 18
- Case triggered nationwide protests; cremation held Aug 23 after agreement with government
The Bara District Court has released 10 people arrested in connection with the rape and murder of three‑year‑old toddler of Jitpur Simara Sub‑Metropolitan City‑1, while ordering two juveniles accused in the case to remain at a correctional home until the final verdict.
A bench of Judge Prakash Kumar Adhikari ordered the release of Purgresh Chaudhary on Rs 20,000 bail and nine others on ordinary dates, citing insufficient concrete evidence of their involvement.
Those released include Indrajit Chaudhary, Babita Chaudhary, Pushpa Chaudhary, Mamata Chaudhary, Sabita Chaudhary, Bindu Chaudhary, Tek Bahadur Thapamagar, Nabin BK and Shesh Hasmudin.
Police had produced the accused on charges of abduction, rape and murder based on a complaint filed by victim's father, Manoj Chaudhary. They were released Thursday evening following the court order.
On Wednesday, the court ordered two juveniles to be sent to a correctional home in Birgunj until the case is decided. Police said one juvenile confessed to luring Garima with chocolate before raping and killing her, while the other denied involvement.
The toddler, missing since August 16, was found dead in a vacant house near her home on August 18. The case sparked nationwide protests. Following a three‑point agreement between the victim's family and a government team led by the home minister, law minister and inspector general of police, the toddler was cremated on August 23 on the banks of the Pasa River.
