Justice for Garima is government’s top priority, says Home Minister Gurung

Kathmandu, August 22, 2026 — Home Minister Sudan Gurung has said ensuring justice for three-year-old Garima Chaudhary, who was raped and killed, is the government’s top priority.

In a social media statement on Saturday, Gurung said the government had been taking the case seriously since the incident and that the investigation was being conducted fairly and effectively.

He said suspects were arrested promptly and that an investigation had also been initiated against police personnel following concerns over alleged negligence during the early stage of the case.

Responding to public demands for the death penalty, Gurung said he understood the anger surrounding the case but pointed to Article 16(2) of Nepal’s Constitution, which prohibits the state from making laws that provide for capital punishment.

He said the government must instead ensure a thorough and impartial investigation, prevent anyone responsible for the crime from escaping punishment and protect innocent people from being wrongly prosecuted.

Gurung also said the government was preparing a draft amendment aimed at removing existing legal obstacles to stronger action against serious crimes committed against women and children. The proposed amendment will be presented for parliamentary consideration, he said.

According to the minister, four additional people have been arrested following a complaint filed by Garima’s parents. He urged the public and media to avoid conducting what he described as a “media trial” based on information that has not been verified.

“Public vigilance is necessary, but it should not interfere with the investigation and judicial process,” Gurung said.

The home minister also stressed the importance of protecting evidence and conducting a scientific investigation so that those responsible are punished while innocent people are not implicated.

“Our first priority now should be one thing: justice for Garima,” Gurung said, adding that the government would work to strengthen legal and institutional mechanisms to prevent similar crimes against women and children.