Garima murder case: Govt, victim’s family reach 3-point agreement

RAUTAHAT, Aug 23: The government has expressed serious concern over the gruesome murder of Garima Chaudhary, an innocent girl from Dasdhuri in Jitpur Simara Sub Metropolitan City-1 of Bara, as well as violence against women and children.

Following widespread concern and outrage over the incident, the government has pledged to make existing legal provisions more effective. A three-point commitment agreement was signed between government representatives and the parents of Garima Chaudhary during discussions held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday night.

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Under the agreement, the government will initiate a review of existing laws and necessary legal reforms to ensure strict punishment for those involved in heinous crimes. The Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs will decide within seven days to form a seven member “Garima Justice Resolution Committee.” The committee will conduct a legal study on the need for tougher punishment for heinous crimes, in line with public expectations, and submit necessary recommendations.

Likewise, at the request of the victim’s family, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development will coordinate with the local government and take necessary steps to construct a statue of Garima Chaudhary. Her parents will perform her funeral according to their customs and traditions.

The commitment agreement was signed on behalf of the government by Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam, representatives of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, and Agriculture, Forests and Environment Minister Gita Chaudhary, among others. Garima’s father, Manoj Kumar Chaudhary, and mother, Manmati Chaudhary, signed the agreement on behalf of the victim’s family.

Following the heinous crime against Garima Chaudhary, widespread calls had been made for strict action against those responsible and justice for the victim’s family. The agreement between the government and the family is being viewed as an important step toward addressing those demands.

Its effectiveness, however, will ultimately depend on how seriously the government implements the commitments outlined in the agreement.