KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has handed over a 120-page investigative report to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding an incident in which a minor was allegedly held against her will.

The NHRC launched its investigation using its discretionary powers after the government decided not to pursue charges in the case. A team, including KMC’s Child Welfare Officer, presented the report to NHRC Secretary Murari Prasad Kharel at the commission’s office in Pulchowk.

During the review, Kharel emphasized that state power should not be misused in cases involving human rights violations, and he assured that a thorough and impartial investigation would be carried out.

The investigation was prompted by the government’s decision not to prosecute Lumbini Province MP Rekha Kumari Sharma, who is accused of holding a minor hostage and forcing her to work in her household. Following this, the NHRC requested KMC to provide documents, which KMC submitted within three days.

Dhiraj Joshi, a member of the KMC Mayor’s Secretariat, raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving Attorney General Ramesh Badal. Joshi pointed out that Badal had previously defended MP Sharma before assuming his current role, and now his involvement in the decision not to prosecute the case has sparked controversy.

“The case was not pursued because the person who represented the case against the Metropolitan City is now the Attorney General,” Joshi remarked.

Both the Government Attorney’s Office in Kathmandu and the High Government Attorney’s Office in Patan had decided not to press charges. However, KMC lodged a complaint on June 12, 2024, accusing Sharma of child exploitation and enslavement.

The NHRC has pledged to conduct a comprehensive investigation and ensure a fair legal process to determine the appropriate actions against those responsible.