BANKE/BARDIYA, July 16: A tragic incident in Gulariya Municipality-2 has left the community in shock, as a five-month pregnant woman, 30-year-old Sanju Dhobi, lost her life after refusing to undergo an abortion. The police investigation has led to the arrest of Om Prakash Yadav, a 41-year-old resident of Gulariya Municipality-1, on charges of murdering Sanju on October 7, 2022, near Jabdighat in Gulariya Municipality-4.
The horrifying discovery of Sanju's body occurred on March 5, 2023, approximately five months after the murder, when locals fishing in the river noticed the abandoned and decomposed remains. Alerted by the villagers, the police initiated an investigation into the shocking crime.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Sudhir Raj Shahi of the District Police Office in Bardiya revealed that the deceased woman's body was found with a rope tied around her neck, raising immediate suspicion of foul play. The police, determined to pursue justice, continued their investigation despite the challenges posed by an unidentified body. The breakthrough came when Sanju's family filed a missing person complaint in Baisakh (mid-April to mid-May), providing crucial evidence to assist the investigation.
Making abortion socially acceptable
As the investigation progressed, the police uncovered a relationship between Sanju and Prakash that spanned three to four years, involving cohabitation. The evidence suggested that Sanju was carrying Prakash's child, and he allegedly put pressure on her to undergo an abortion. Tragically, when Sanju firmly refused, it is alleged that Prakash resorted to violence, resulting in her untimely death.
SP Shahi stated that Sanju was killed after rejecting Prakash's pressure for an abortion. The fateful encounter took place at Jabdighat around 1 pm on the day of the murder. Investigations revealed that Sanju was about four to five months pregnant when the tragic incident occurred. Shockingly, the police claim that Prakash even took Sanju to India with the intention of forcing her to have an abortion.
The identity of the victim, Sanju, who was tragically murdered on October 7, was confirmed on June 16, the next year. The accused, Prakash, was swiftly apprehended on the same day the complaint was filed, according to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hikmat Bahadur Bohora.
Prakash is currently in police custody, allowing further investigation into the incident. The authorities have demanded life imprisonment for Prakash, considering that he not only took the life of Sanju but also that of the fetus she was carrying. A case has been filed against him, and the legal process is underway.
During the investigation, the Bardiya police questioned several individuals related to the case. A member of Sanju's family revealed that she was involved in a love affair with Prakash.
Both Prakash and Sanju were married, but Sanju had been residing at her maternal home due to problems in her relationship with her husband. She leaves behind an eight-year-old son, adding to the heartbreak of the situation.
While Prakash may not admit to the crime, the police remain confident in their evidence collection, including call details, which they believe will establish his guilt beyond doubt.
