Bhim Bahadur Biswokarma, a resident of Salleri VDC-8 in Dailekh district, was allegedly thrashed by Dutta Bahadur Basnet, who lives in the same village, on October 19. Basnet had allegedly attacked Bhim Bahadur with a sickle just because he, a Dalit, dared cross his doorstep, claimed Biswokarma´s relative.[break]
According to the victim´s family, Bhim Bahadur was returning home in the evening after visiting relatives. As it was very dark outside, Bhim Bahadur entered Basnet´s house to ask for Diyalo, an oil lamp, and a furious Basnet then attacked him with a sickle.
Bhim Bahadur, who was first taken to Naumule Primary Health Center (PHC) for treatment, has been undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Nepalgunj Nursing Home for the last one week.
Pratap Singh Biswokarma, who is attending to the injured, claimed Bhim Bahadur´s treatment has already cost Rs 95,000. He says they have no more money for the treatment; and the hospital has threatened to stop treatment if they fail to manage more money.
Manju Biswokarma, the victim´s wife, says that the local administration has not made Basnet, who is now in police custody, bear the treatment expenses of her husband.
According to Amar Sunar, a human rights activist, Bhim Bahadur was referred by the Naumule PHC to Nepalgunj as he was seriously injured. The victim´s family is in dire straits as treatment services in Nepalgunj are very expensive.
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