The death of 17-year-old Rinku Kumari Sada, who had earlier accused three men of gang rape, has sparked controversy and raised suspicions of foul play. She was found hanging in her home in Bhagwatipur Tamasuiya, Nawarajpur Rural Municipality-1, Siraha, on February 12.
According to police, Rinku’s body was discovered around 7 pm, with a scarf tied around her neck. Her mother and younger brother were present at the scene, and the door to the house was open when authorities arrived.
Allegations of gang rape and attempts to cover up
Four days before her death, Rinku had accused three local men—Rupesh Mandal, Tinku Mandal, and Chandan Sahela—of gang-raping her on the night of February 9. She had gone out to relieve herself at around 9 pm but did not return for six hours. Her family found her crying outside their home at 3 am the next morning.
She told her family that the three men had abducted her and assaulted her in a bamboo grove. The family took up the matter with the local community, leading to a village meeting on February 12. Reports suggest that an attempt was made to settle the issue through a financial agreement, with Rupesh Mandal being asked to pay Rs 150,000 as compensation. However, Rinku’s family rejected the settlement, leading to a dispute.
Another community meeting was called on the same day, during which Rinku reiterated her allegations. Shortly after, she was found dead in her home, fueling suspicions that pressure or threats may have led to her death.
Police investigation and legal proceedings
While Rinku’s family initially claimed she was raped, the police have so far only registered a case of incitement to suicide. District Police Office Siraha has filed a case against Rupesh Mandal based on a complaint from Rinku’s uncle, Ram Sada. The complaint alleges that Rinku took her own life due to a dispute with Rupesh over their romantic relationship.
Police officials, including DSP Birendra Paswan, stated that although there are widespread allegations of gang rape, no official complaint has been filed under that charge. However, they have assured that if postmortem results reveal evidence of sexual assault, further investigations will be conducted.
Rupesh Mandal remains at large, while no arrests have been made in connection with the case. Authorities also noted that Rinku’s family members, who initially spoke about the rape allegations, are now hesitant to discuss the matter.
Postmortem and ongoing investigation
Following initial forensic procedures at Lahan Provincial Hospital, Rinku’s body was transferred to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan for further examination, given the sensitivity of the case. The final autopsy report is still pending, and police have stated that further action will depend on its findings.
Meanwhile, Rinku’s father, Bijuliya Sada, who was working in India at the time, has returned home. The family, devastated by her death, has largely refrained from speaking about the case, possibly due to fear and pressure.
Madhesh Province Police Chief DIG Lalmani Acharya has described the case as serious and assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted. “We are treating the case with utmost sensitivity and will determine whether gang rape occurred based on forensic evidence,” he state
