KATHMANDU, July 30: Rajesh Ahiraj, the former chief of Madhesh Province, who is currently facing rape charges, has filed a countersuit against the woman who accused him of sexual assault.
Ahiraj lodged the case against the woman at the Kathmandu District Court, accusing her of attempting to gain unlawful benefit. He alleges that the woman demanded Rs 2 million through threats and later blackmailed him, saying she would publicly defame him and even threaten to take her own life if he refused to pay. He claims to have given her Rs 300,000 in cash under pressure.
Break taboos to reinstate rape victims
The woman had earlier filed a case accusing Ahiraj of raping her on May 17, 2024 at his rented room in New Baneshwor, Kathmandu. According to her, the incident occurred when she was alone in the room and Ahiraj forcibly assaulted her.
Following her complaint, Ahiraj filed a counter-complaint. The investigation into his allegations has now concluded, and the woman has been named a fugitive defendant in the case filed on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Ahiraj himself was charged with rape on Tuesday by the Kathmandu District Court based on the woman’s original complaint.
