Dharan, May 8 :

Fifteen-year-old Samjh-ana (name changed) had always dreamt of joining the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) after he School Leaving Certificate exams. She often watched RNA women on the television screen and read about them and saw their photographs in newspapers.

However, her dream will now remain a dream as she was raped on Saturday by her cousin brother who is an RNA soldier. She has now started hating the force. Dinesh Bhattarai of the the Unified Security Base Camp in Panchthar had raped Samjhana, who had just completed grade VIII, in Dharan.

“I had always believed that the RNA troops protect the lives of civilians, but I was wrong,” Samj-hana said, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I no longer have the desire to join the force.” Bhattarai had arrived home on leave five days ago. “After meal on Saturday evening, he took me to his house. On the way he beat me up and raped me,” she said. After hearing Samjhana scream for help, locals rushed to the site and caught hold of Bhattarai.

“I used to feel secure whenever I was with him. I even used to honour him on Bhai Tika in Tihars. I had never thought the same brother whom I adored would do such a shameful act,” Samjhana said. “A couple of days ago my father had warned me to be careful as Dinesh used to drink quite often. However, I did not take the warning seriously,” she said, adding: “He has spoilt my life now. He should be punished.”

Bhattarai had threatened locals of dire consequences when the latter caught hold of him.

Police inspector Raj Kumar Baidhya at the Area Police Office assured locals that the culprit would be punished. “He has admitted to his deed,” Baidhya said.