DHANGADHI: Locals staged a demonstration in Kanchanpur today seeking justice for Nirmala Panta, who was raped and murdered on July 26 in Bhimdatta Municipality.

Civil Society Dhangadhi initiated the rally and hundreds of people joined the march demanding justice for 13-year-old Nirmala. The protest rally started from Chauraha and passed through various places before convening into a corner meeting at Parkmode in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City on Sunday.

During the protest, demonstrators held placards against the government, demanded resignation from Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa and accused the government of shielding the culprit in the case.

Civil Society activist Hari Regmi said, "It shows weakness of the government wherein it has failed to arrest and parade the guilty in Nirmala Panta's rape and murder case."

He further said, "Incidents that unfolded during the investigation prove that the government is bearing guardianship of the perpetrators."

Superintendent of Police (SP) Kuber Bahadur Kathayat at the District Police Office said, untoward activities were not reported in the district today.

"I appeal the general public to support police in the investigation," he said, adding that DNA reports of the three prime suspects were yet to be disclosed.

The protesters also obstructed vehicular movement along the East-West Highway at Jhalari in Kanchanpur district.

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• Mass rally demands “Justice for Nirmala”