DHANGADHI: Chief Minister of Province 7 Trilochan Bhatta visited Radha Chaudhary, who was thrashed for practising 'witchcraft', at the Seti Zonal Hospital to know about her health condition on Sunday.

Bhatta further committed to provide financial support to Chaudhary for her treatment and to take strict action against the culprit.

"This is a horrendous crime. Such cases might have increased because victims are pressurised for reconciliation. It is a bad practice. Strict action will be taken against the culprit," assured the Chief Minister.

Likewise, Social Development Minister Dirgha Sodari committed that the government would bear all the cost for her treatment.

According to doctors, her health condition is improving slowly and she is out of danger.

CASE FILED AGAINST CULPRIT

A case has been filed against three persons involved in thrashing the high school student black and blue and accusing her of practicing 'witchcraft'.

According to Inspector Indra Bahadur Malla at the Dhangadhi District Police Office, police arrested Ram Bahadur Chaudhary aka Bhole Baba, Kismati Chaudhary and Smarika Chaudhary, and lodged a complaint against them.

Kismati had tied Radha's hands and dragged her outside the house, whereas Smarika, along with Bhole Baba, had beaten Radha mercilessly.

Police had arrested Bhole Baba on Friday and Kismati on Saturday. Smarika was arrested from her relative's house at Boradandi in Dhangadhi Sub Metropolis-5 this morning.

SI DINESH BISTA SUSPENDED

Likewise, Chief Sub Inspector of Police Dinesh Bista at the Sukkhad Area Police Office has been suspended for forcing Chaudhary to sign a reconciliation paper and releasing the culprit without taking proper action.

The Provincial Police Office of Province 7 had suspended Bista, said AIG Madhav Prasad Nepal at the Provincial Police Office.

After the incident, police arrested Ram Bahadur Chaudhary for his involvement, however, Chaudhary was released the same day.

Police released Chaudhary in presence of Ghodaghodi Municipality Head Mamta Prasad Chaudhary, Ward Chair Prem Rokaya and victim’s father Jokhan Chaudhary, after he agreed to provide medical treatment to the victim.