KATHMANDU, Feb 7: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has issued an apology and pledged full cooperation with authorities after facing widespread criticism over the death of a four-year-old girl who was struck by a campaign vehicle in Rautahat on Thursday.
Police later filed a vehicular homicide case against the driver, Mustaq Alam, amid public outcry. Alam, who was driving for RSP candidate Sheikh Sagir Alam in Rautahat Constituency-2, was presented before the district court on Friday to extend his remand for investigation.
The child, Alpha Khatun, daughter of Mohammad Sagir, was hit Thursday afternoon by car Ba 15 Cha 4244 at Mathiya Tole of Ishnath Municipality-4 while the candidate was conducting a door-to-door campaign. Locals rushed the seriously injured girl to City Hospital in Gaur, but she later died during treatment at the Provincial Hospital.
According to police, the driver fled after dropping the child at the hospital and was arrested about four hours later. Investigators collected CCTV footage from a nearby mosque showing the vehicle entering the village as the girl ran across the road. The footage reportedly shows the front wheel running over the child, followed by the second wheel.
RSP acknowledge death of 4 years old girl during election campa...
A police complaint filed by the victim’s father has been formally registered, and the investigation is ongoing.
RSP candidate Alam said he was busy with the outreach campaign at the time of the incident and that only the driver was in the vehicle. Following mounting criticism, RSP expressed sorrow over the incident, apologised publicly, and stated it would fully cooperate with authorities in an objective investigation to ensure justice for the victim’s family. The party also instructed all candidates, members, and drivers to exercise heightened caution during campaign activities.
Earlier, the party had only expressed condolences, but pressure increased after activists and public figures demanded accountability.
Chairman of Shram Sanskriti Party Harka Sampang questioned the government’s response on social media, asking what action authorities were taking regarding the child’s death during the election campaign.
Nepal Gen-Z Front coordinator Rakshya Bam said no political party should attempt to cover up a crime, stressing that “a crime is a crime regardless of which party or leader is involved” and warning against granting impunity under political protection. She urged the government to treat the case seriously.
Gen-Z activist Tanuja Pandey criticised what she described as selective outrage, noting that a previous similar road incident involving a political figure had triggered nationwide anger, while voices now appeared muted. She said that demanding accountability and justice should not be labelled as political opportunism, and that while accidents may occur, responsibility must follow.
Police said they are continuing to analyse video evidence and witness statements to determine the level of driver negligence and any additional liability. Authorities have not ruled out further action depending on the investigation findings.
The case has drawn national attention amid the ongoing election campaign, with growing calls for stricter safety protocols during political outreach programmes.
