Nirmala Kurmi Case: Activists launch fifth phase of protests

KATHMANDU, Aug 9: Activists, including Ruby Khan, have started the fifth phase of their protests today at Maitighar in the capital, Kathmandu, citing the government's failure to send the Nirmala Kurmi case to court despite repeatedly agreeing to do so. They have also accused the government of protecting the main suspect, Badshah Kurmi, by appointing him as a minister from Nepali Congress (NC) in the Lumbini Province government.

The activists marched barefoot from Kalanki to Maitighar, holding copies of the Nepal Constitution in their hands.

They initiated the fifth phase of their protests with three demands: Badshah Kurmi, the main accused in Nirmala’s murder, should be immediately removed from his ministerial post; the Kurmi murder case should be taken to court immediately; and the security of the protestors should be guaranteed. 

Rights activist Khan, who has been fighting for justice for Nirmala since 2021, stated that this government is aligned with the oppressors. “This time we will not leave Kathmandu without finalizing the case. The government has fooled us under the pretext of agreements,” she told Republica. She further said that her team will announce different forms of protest, including a hunger strike.

Four sits-in before 

Khan and her team have staged sit-ins four times before. Recently, after a dozen activists, including Khan, went on a hunger strike, the then home minister Rabi Lamichhane gave a written commitment on June 24 to bring those involved in the crime to justice. After that, Khan and her team ended their 18-day hunger strike and returned to Nepalgunj.

In October 2021, for their first movement, they marched on bare foot from Banke to Kathmandu as part of their protest. This led to an agreement between the then home minister Bal Krishna Khand and Khan on October 18. The government formed an investigation committee under the Joint Secretary of the ministry, Hira Lal Regmi. Subsequently, complaints were filed at the District Police Office in Banke against eight people, including NC leader Badshah. Based on these complaints, an investigation by the Ministry of Home Affairs recommended that an inquiry be conducted against the eight individuals, including Badshah.

About the case

In October 2009, Nirmala's husband, Mahalu Kurmi, passed away due to natural causes. Following this, Nirmala lived with her two sons, 18-year-old Ramsagar and 14-year-old Suresh. However, in 2011, both her sons died within a two-week span. Afterward, Badshah took Nirmala's land ownership certificate and citizenship under the pretext of keeping them safe. After that, she was left destitute. Subsequently, a group became active in attempting to seize her house and 4 bighas of land. Activist Khan alleges that Badshah was the main perpetrator in this group. Badshah is accused of murdering Nirmala and seizing her land.

Badshah was directly elected to the Provincial Assembly from the NC for Banke Constituency No. 3(2) in the 2022 Provincial Assembly elections. He is also a member of the Constituent Assembly.