Central Bureau of Investigation Team Deployed to Surkhet for Rape and Murder Probe of 16-Year-Old Girl

A team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CIB) is set to arrive in Surkhet to assist in the investigation into the alleged rape and murder of 16-year-old Inisa Bika.

District Police Office Superintendent Sudhiraj Shahi stated that the CIB team will arrive in Surkhet on Thursday. According to him, another team from the Nepal Police Provincial Office in Nepalgunj is also coming to Surkhet to conduct a polygraph test. "The polygraph will detect if someone is lying," he said. "Similarly, an expert team, including those for CDR analysis, is also arriving from the same office."

He mentioned that the investigation is nearing its final stages. However, additional expert teams have been requested to ensure no aspect of the investigation is overlooked.

"We have requested these teams to strengthen and broaden the scope of the investigation so that no aspect is missed," Shahi said.

Shahi confirmed that the preliminary investigation is complete. "Many reports have arrived, and post-mortem reports have been completed," he added. "We have sent mobile phones to forensic labs, such as the DFL and Digital Forensic Lab."

He also stated that samples were sent to the Central Forensic Laboratory for toxicology reports and bio-serological testing.

"Once all these reports arrive and we compare them, we can reach a conclusion," Shahi said. "A separate team has also been formed at the district level for the investigation."

A team of forensic experts led by Dr. Arbin Shakya from Bheri Hospital, Banke, conducted an autopsy at Provincial Hospital Surkhet and submitted their report. According to the report, the deceased died due to severe bleeding caused by tearing of the sensitive organ during forcible intercourse.

However, as the investigation is still ongoing, the police have not publicly disclosed this information yet.

Inisa, originally a resident of Gurvakot Municipality-6 Badakhola, was living with her family in Birendranagar Municipality-1. On Saturday morning, she left home saying she was going to tuition, but was found unconscious around 9 a.m. in the Janajagaran Community Forest, north of Birendranagar Municipality-4.

Doctors at the Provincial Hospital pronounced her dead upon arrival.

On the same day, the police took a 16-year-old boy into custody, who claimed to have been in a romantic relationship with Inisa.

District Police Office Surkhet Deputy Superintendent Mohan Jung Budhathapa stated that based on the complaint filed by the victim's side on Falgun 24, other teenagers aged 15, 16, and 17 were also taken into custody for investigation.

The deceased girl was studying in Grade 11 at Usa Balbatika in Birendranagar. According to her relatives, Inisa left home on the morning of the 23rd saying she was going to tuition, but that day was a Saturday.

Furthermore, the school she attended and the location where Inisa was found unconscious are quite far apart. "While the family said she went to tuition, the arrested 16-year-old boy claimed he went for a morning walk," said an investigating officer.

The 16-year-old suspect stated that he had a physical relationship with Inisa under the pretext of a morning walk, and excessive bleeding occurred during that time.

He also stated that he sought help from other friends to take Inisa to the hospital after she became unconscious.

However, the family has filed a complaint alleging gang rape and murder. It has also been revealed that all the accused are classmates of Inisa.

Since all the accused are minors, their names have not been made public.

Widespread Concern Over Incident, Demand for Impartial Investigation

This incident has captured the attention of the entire nation. Political parties, rights activists, and artists have all demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.

On social media, they are sharing photos of Inisa and raising voices demanding justice.

The victim's family and relatives staged a protest in Birendranagar on Wednesday demanding an impartial investigation. Additionally, Inisa's mother, Tila Bika, met with Chief District Officer Jagdishwor Upadhyay, demanding justice, stating that her innocent daughter was gang-raped and murdered.

"The murderers must receive the strictest possible punishment," she said. Similarly, Karnali Chief Minister Yamalal Kandel visited Inisa's home and assured the family that justice would be ensured according to the law.

He has directed security agencies to investigate the incident independently and impartially.

"The process of bringing out the truth of this incident and taking action according to the law will proceed independently and impartially from the government's side," Kandel said. "The provincial government is committed to ensuring justice for the victim's family."