Salyan murder: 17-year-old mother confesses to killing daughters

Kathmandu, January 9 — Two young girls were found dead at their home in Sisnepatal, Bangad Kupinde Municipality-11, Salyan on Wednesday morning. The deceased, 3 years and 6 months old, were the daughters of Purnima Rana.

Upon discovering marks on the children's necks, police took Purnima Rana into custody. During questioning, Purnima confessed to the murder, as confirmed by Salyan DSP Keshar Neupane.

DSP Neupane said, "In the preliminary investigation, the mother has confessed to the murder, and further investigation is underway."

On the morning of January 8, Purnima informed her sister-in-law that the children were ill. When neighbors gathered at the house, the two children were already dead. Police were alerted, and an inspector-led team found marks on the children's necks, which raised suspicion. DSP Neupane explained, "We became suspicious and took the mother into custody."

Initial investigations suggest that 17-year-old Purnima tied a rope in the house's balcony and hanged her daughters. She had married Tekman Rana at the age of 14. Tekman, who works in Nuwakot, was returning home when the incident took place. DSP Neupane mentioned that Tekman's statement will be taken, and post-mortem of the bodies will be conducted.

Purnima told investigators that her husband suspected the children were not his, which led to the killing.

She claimed that Tekman often argued with her, which led her to commit the murder. However, police have not found evidence of a recent argument between Tekman and Purnima.

Tekman, aged 25, had not visited the house during the incident. The crime scene is located 4 hours from the district headquarters.