another rape case and killed

https://english.onlinekhabar.com/punishment-bhagirathi-bhatta-murderers-...

Around two and a half years ago, the whole nation was traumatised by the brutal rape and murder of Nirmala Pant. Recently, a similar incident has been reported from the Baitadi district of Sudurpaschim, where Bhagirathi Bhatta has been reportedly raped and murdered.  

Currently, the Nepal Police is investigating into the case. So far, it has sent the victim’s vaginal swab to the National Forensic Science Laboratory, Kathmandu and arrested seven suspects for the interrogation. However, people fear it might be another story like that of Nirmala Pant that has gone unsolved.

The data maintained by Nepal Police show that the case of rape in the Sudurpaschim is increasing in each passing year. Contradictory to that, the number of perpetrators being convicted is declining.

But, it can still be hoped that the police will be able to crack the mystery and nab the culprits, leading to a successful prosecution. So, what happens if both rape and murder charges are proved against the suspects in relation to Bhagirathi Bhatta’s murder?

Punishment for rape

The National Penal Code, 2017 (Muluki Aparadh Samhita, 2074) prescribes different punishments for a rape case based on the victim’s age.

According to section 219(3) of the code:

If the victim is under the age of 10 years, fully disabled, or who has crossed the age of 70, the perpetrator shall be punished with life imprisonment.

If the victim is between 10 and 14 years of age, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment for 18 to 20 years.

If the victim is between 14 and 16 years of age, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment for 12 to 14 years.

If the victim is between 16 and 18 years of age, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment for 10 to 12 years.

If the victim is aged 18 years or above, the perpetrator shall be punished with imprisonment for 7 to 10 years.

As reported, Bhagirathi Bhatta was 17 years old. Therefore, the perpetrators will be imprisoned for 10 to 12 years if the rape charge is proved.