The District Court in Rukum West has handed down life imprisonment to 24 individuals involved in the mass murder that unfolded on May 23, 2020.

Nabaraj BK, a 19-year-old from the Dalit community, and his friends faced a merciless attack three and a half years ago while attempting to bring Nabaraj’s girlfriend to their home district. The assailants pursued, beat, and assaulted the victims with sharp weapons, compelling them to jump into the Bheri River, resulting in the loss of six lives.

During a live-streamed program by activist Khagendra Sunar, the mothers collectively applauded and welcomed the court’s decision, mentioning that Nabaraj BK’s mother couldn’t attend due to health issues.

The court handed life imprisonment to individuals including the then ward chairman Dambar Bahadur Malla, Dilli Malla Thakuri, Prem Bahadur Thakuri, Santosh Malla, Man Bahadur Malla, Top Bahadur Malla, Tilak Chand, Harka Bahadur Malla, Binod Malla, Netra Bahadur Malla, Resham Bahadur Malla, Bishnu Malla, Indra Bahadur Thakuri, Lipendra Kumar Malla, Dhanraj Rana, Nabin Kumar Gharti Magar, Biraj Pun Magar, Bhim Bahadur Pun Magar, Ramit Pun Magar, Sabin Pun, and Mohan Pun Magar.

Similarly, three individuals, including Nabaraj’s girlfriend, received two years in prison and a fine of Rs 50,000 for caste discrimination. Additionally, two minors were sentenced to two years in prison for caste discrimination.