Police Investigate Suspicious Death of Woman Found Burnt in Nepalgunj; Family Alleges Murder

Butwal. Police have yet to confirm whether the death of a young woman found burnt two days ago in Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-12, Banke, was a murder or a suicide. Police stated that investigations are ongoing from various angles, but a conclusion has not yet been reached.

The 22-year-old woman, Sirjana Budhamagar, was found burnt on the road in Koreanpur, Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-12, on Saturday night.

According to DSP Deepak Patali of the District Police Office Banke, three individuals have been taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in the incident. However, he told Ratopati that it is still uncertain whether it was a murder or a suicide.

Formal Complaint Filed Against Five Individuals

Sirjana Budhamagar's family has filed a formal complaint alleging murder against five individuals. Police have taken into custody Arif Thapali, 24, a resident of Nepalgunj-12 who was living in a 'live-in relationship' with Sirjana, his mother, and his sister.

The District Police Office Banke stated that the family of Budhamagar has also filed a formal complaint against two other members of Arif's family.

DSP Patali mentioned that the police are searching for two more individuals. He also informed that questioning of those in custody is underway. He confirmed that Budhamagar's family has claimed it was a murder and that this aspect is being investigated.

He stated that although the three individuals in custody are being questioned from various angles regarding the incident, he could not disclose their statements as the investigation is not yet complete. He revealed that the investigation is continuing from various perspectives regarding what those connected to the incident did.

Past Situation

After her relationship with her husband ended, Sirjana had been raising her four-year-old child herself. For the past two years, she had been in a 'live-in relationship' with her boyfriend, Arif Thapali, in Nepalgunj-8.

Although Thapali's permanent residence was in Nepalgunj-12, they were living in a rented room separately in Ward-8. They used to fight occasionally. Following an incident three days prior where Thapali allegedly beat her, Sirjana had reported it to the police.

According to the District Police Office Banke, Sirjana reported Arif for assault on Chaitra 13, leading to his detention. However, on the following day, Chaitra 14, the police released Arif from custody on the condition that they would not fight and would live together amicably.

That same night, Sirjana was found burnt on the road near Arif's house, far from their shared room, leading her relatives to accuse Arif of murder. Sirjana died on Sunday morning during treatment at Bheri Hospital. Her 4-year-old daughter is currently staying at Sirjana's paternal aunt's house, while her 24-year-old boyfriend Thapali remains in police custody. The deceased's body has undergone a post-mortem examination at Bheri Hospital, but the report is not yet available. Police expect the report by tomorrow.

Demand for Action

Relatives of the deceased and others suspect that the incident was a murder. There is growing pressure in Nepalgunj demanding stringent action against those involved in the incident.

Demands for strict action against the culprits have also been made on social media. Local media outlets, leaders, and other social activists have called for action against those involved in the murder. Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Coordinator of the Citizen Concern Forum, Banke, stated that the incident of death by setting oneself on fire is very serious. He demanded that perpetrators of heinous crimes against women should not be spared under any circumstances. He added that Sirjana's murder is a very serious and tragic incident.

Meanwhile, the police have urged the public not to make unnecessary comments on social media regarding the incident. District Police Office Banke Spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police Deepak Patali stated that a serious investigation is underway from various angles and urged against making comments on social media that could incite conflict among communities.

He told Ratopati that since Nepalgunj is a sensitive area, various elements might try to exploit the situation, and therefore, he urged responsible conduct.