KATHMANDU, Sept 14: Main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) briefly disrupted the parliament meeting on Thursday, demanding answer from the government on the progress made in the investigation into the rape and murder of 13-year-old Nirmala Panta of Kanchanpur.

NC lawmakers rose from their seats to obstruct the parliament meeting accusing the government of not doing enough to book the real culprits involved in the rape and murder. The meeting resumed after Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal assured that the government would do all to arrest and punish the culprit.

NC lawmaker Dilendra Prasad Badu said it has already been 49 days since the incident and demanded information on the progress made in the investigations.

He also drew the parliament's attention toward the alleged death threat issued against a probe panel member. "Who were the powerful criminals who issued death threat against the committee member KC's life?” He also added that the government should inform the House about why the committee member sought support from international community and civil society and didn't trust the government's security system.

Minister Dhakal in reply said the government was committed to punishing all those involved in Nirmala's rape and murder. “The government formed probe panel to investigate into the rape and murder will soon come up with its report,” said Dhakal.

Minister Dhakal further informed the parliament that concerned minister will make further briefing at the House meeting on Friday about the progress made in the investigations.

Earlier, Badu had also expressed concern over the arrest of journalist Raju Basnet for publishing news. He also demanded stern punishment to those involved in the murder of NC's Humla district leader Rohit Pun earlier this week.

Ruling lawmakers Binda Pandey and Shanta Chaudhary also drew the government's attention toward the delay in the Nirmala Panta rape and murder investigations.

Pandey also asked about the government plan, if any, to take action against officials involved in covering up rape incidents and forcing the perpetrators and victims to come to a compromise.

NC leaders Sita Devi Yadav and Sujata Koirala among others accused the government of trying to protect the individuals responsible for Niramala's rape and murder. “Unless and until the women are safe, the country cannot be safe,” Yadav said. NC lawmakers Sujata Pariyar, Sanjay Gautam and Hira Gurung demanded action against those involved in 'destroying the evidences' in the Nirmala rape and murder case.

 
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