Outrage in Nepal over rape and murder of 3-year-old girl
There have been protests since the girl was found dead last week, three days after she went missing.
Nepal is experiencing widespread indignation following the alleged rape and murder of a three-year-old girl, prompting activists and politicians to press the government for more stringent legislation.
Protests have been ongoing in Nepal since the girl's body was discovered last week. She had been missing for three days in Madhesh province. A local police spokesperson informed the BBC that nine individuals have been apprehended in connection with the case.
The crime has sparked calls for reform, and the police are facing accusations of negligence during the initial phase of the investigation, particularly after a video of a teenage suspect was disseminated on social media.
Following several days of demonstrations in Simara, the victim's family met with government ministers and reached a written agreement over the weekend. The government has committed to reviewing laws pertaining to serious offenses and establishing a memorial for the child.
The incident has also ignited a broader discussion regarding Nepal's approach to young offenders, with some advocates pushing for more severe penalties for minors convicted of rape or murder.
Gauri Pradhan, a notable human rights activist, described the attack as a "very painful incident and the government should punish anyone involved in such atrocious act. There should be some serious efforts for wider reforms." However, Pradhan advised against calls for the implementation of the death penalty.
Further outrage has arisen from a video posted on social media, which shows a teenage suspect providing a statement about the suspected murder. This has raised questions about how footage from a police investigation was leaked.
Dharmendra Kumar Mishra, chief district officer of Bara district, told the BBC, "We have so far found one police personnel directly involved in the [leak] and have initiated action against him. If more officers are found, they will also be punished. We have zero tolerance against such practice."
According to Nepalese Police, over 25,500 allegations of rape and sexual abuse were filed between July 2017 and July 2025. Police data indicates that more than 3,200 of these female victims were under the age of 10.