Missing teen in Baitadi: Police constable in custody, Search continues

Baitadi: Nearly two months after a 17-year-old girl from Pancheshwor Rural Municipality-2, Dimbar, went missing, her whereabouts remain unknown.

The girl disappeared on Asoj 25, the day before Dashain, after leaving home to fetch water. Police Constable Krishnaraj Joshi, the then in-charge of Mahakali Police Station, is accused of being involved in her disappearance. Locals detained Joshi, tied him with a rope, and handed him over to the authorities on the same day.

The girl's family alleges that Joshi, who reportedly had a relationship with the girl, is responsible for her disappearance. They have provided photographs and evidence indicating their connection. Joshi, however, denies the allegations, stating he is not involved in the incident.

Joshi was suspended and taken into custody on the day of the incident. Following an investigation, he was remanded to jail on Kartik 13 as directed by the district court. According to Inspector Janakraj Dhungana, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Joshi is being investigated under charges related to making a person disappear.

Amid rising tension and insecurity among locals, the Mahakali Police Station personnel were transferred to Kulau, Ward No. 3. Residents of Dimbar had demanded the relocation of the station following the incident.

It has been alleged that Joshi, who is married, may have made the girl disappear after refusing to marry her. Reports suggest the girl had met Joshi shortly before her disappearance. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) has also been deployed to assist in the investigation.

Despite ongoing efforts, the girl remains missing, leaving her family and the community in distress as the case unfolds.