NHRC forms team to probe rape allegation
Graphic: NHRC office, Kathmandu
The allegations involve the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who has since resigned from the position.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formed an investigation team to probe an allegation of rape allegation against Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who has resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Himalayan News Service reported.
The three-member team will be led by NHRC Director Yagya Adhikari and includes Manju Khatiwada and Lok Nath Bastola, both Deputy Directors.
The NHRC team was assembled five days after Roshani Shahi, a nurse at the Parliament Secretariat, alleged she was raped.
The investigating team will review relevant media reports, meet Ms Shahi personally if she agrees, and talk to Mahara.
The Commission has already written to Nepal Police and sought information on the investigation conducted so far and police findings, according to NHRC Director Tikaram Pokharel.
"The information provided by police will help us chart our course," NHRC member Prakash Osti told the Himalayan News Service.
"We have also asked the police to keep evidence collected from the crime scene safe and conduct a fair investigation," said Osti, adding.
The NHRC will release a report of their findings at the conclusion of its investigation.
Date: 4 October 2019
Source: Himalayan News Service
Image credits
- NHRC office, Kathmandu - APF/James Iliffe