KANCHANPUR, Sept 16: Investigators are clueless in tracking those involved in the rape and murder of Nirmala Panta even as nearly two months have elapsed since the murder of the 13-year-old girl. 

Police started the process of DNA testing of suspended Superintendent of Police Dilli Raj Bista, his son Kiran, and Ayush Bista, nephew of Bhimdutta Municipality Mayor, Surendra Bista, only three weeks after the murder of the girl. Their blood samples were collected for DNA testing based on complaints from locals, who suspect their involvement in the murder.
Since police are yet to start grilling SP Bista, DSP duo Gyan Bahadur Sethi and Angur Joshi, the locals still consider that the government is not committed to hold the rapists accountable. Even as the victim’s family had filed complaint with the police soon after she went missing, the police did not take up the issue seriously. 

Instead, investigators allegedly destroyed possible evidences that could have helped in identifying the perpetrators. 

“Police destroyed the evidences in a planned way aimed at protecting the culprits,” said Bimala Bista, a local. 

Krishna Ojha, an investigator, said the investigation team is facing difficulties to identify the perpetrators since police did not collect finger prints from the ‘dry’ books. 

SP Kuber Kadayat said that the investigation is getting difficult since he could not witness the crime site firsthand. “We did not get a chance to witness the incident site soon after the crime and there is a possibility of evidences being destroyed. Still, we are trying to investigate into the rape case.” 

Kadyat admitted they have achieved nothing so far.  Police say they are facing challenges in settling the rape case since evidences such as finger print, hair and clothes used by Nirmala were washed immediately. 

 
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