A 36-year-old woman, Saraswati Kurumbang of Aangsarang, Phalgunanda Rural Municipality, Panchthar, is in critical condition after being brutally attacked by a group of locals. The incident, which occurred on the morning of June 24 (Asar 10), was made public only recently.
According to family members, Saraswati sustained serious injuries to her head, back, hands, and legs after being beaten by four individuals, including two women—25-year-old Kavita Angdembe and 39-year-old Damanta Angdembe. The identities of the two male attackers involved have not been disclosed.
The assault reportedly followed repeated disputes over the assailants releasing pigs into Saraswati’s farmland, damaging her crops. When she requested they stop, the attackers instead responded with violence, her husband Ram Kurumbang stated.
Pressured to Return Home Without Treatment
Following the attack, Saraswati was taken to Panchthar Hospital for treatment. However, the accused reportedly pressured the family to settle the matter locally, promising to cover medical expenses if the case was not taken to authorities. As a result, Saraswati was discharged prematurely and forced to return home, despite her worsening condition.
“We were told not to pursue a legal case and settle it in the village. They promised to pay for the treatment, so we brought her home,” Ram Kurumbang said. “But her condition deteriorated, so we admitted her to B&C Hospital in Jhapa.”
Her brothers, Anup and Tarzan Yonghang, were the ones who took her to the hospital upon learning she was being kept at home without proper care. Anup said her condition remains critical. “She’s weak, in constant pain, unable to digest food, and continues to vomit. MRI scans have confirmed a head injury,” he reported.
Police Complaint Yet to Be Registered
Despite filing a complaint at the District Police Office in Panchthar on Wednesday, requesting charges of attempted murder and indecent behavior, the First Information Report (FIR) has yet to be officially registered.
DSP Kaushal Budhathoki, chief of Panchthar District Police Office, confirmed that the accused parties have been called in for questioning and assured that the complaint will be registered and legal proceedings will move forward.
The incident has sparked outrage among locals and human rights advocates, highlighting ongoing issues of local-level justice pressure, lack of timely medical care, and delayed police response in gender-based violence cases in rural Nepal.
