Gaighat, March 16

It has come to light that police had  attempted to settle a rape case through mediation in Triyuga Municipality of Udayapur district a few days ago.

A man had allegedly raped a woman in Triyuga Municipality-14 on March 12 and the police deployed at Saune Police Post reconciled the parties through mediation. However, police were compelled to arrest the alleged today after the victim denied having reached any agreement with the perpetrator.

Shiva Rai, a local, had raped the woman while she was alone in her house. The woman had filed an FIR against Rai at the police post the next morning. However, police did not arrest the accused even as he was walking freely. Instead, they attempted to reconcile the victim and the perpetrator.

“The police arrested the accused only after I refused to reach a compromise. I threatened them saying I would file a complaint with higher authorities if they did not arrest the perpetrator. They also offered me money, but I refused,” said the woman.

Rai was arrested from Chappan Forest of Gaighat.

As per police, the husband of the victim has been working in a foreign country for the past few years. Ward chairperson Kulung Rai said he had heard about the incident, but didn’t know much about it. “The truth should come to light after a detailed investigation. Stern action should be taken against the rapist,” said chair Rai.

Meanwhile, Superintendent of Police at District Police Office, Udayapur, Nawaraj Bhatta said they were investigating the incident. He also pledged to take action against police personnel involved in mediating the case.