The Surkhet High Court has upheld the life imprisonment verdict issued by Rukum West District Court against 24 individuals involved in the May 23, 2020, massacre of six individuals, including Nawaraj BK, at Soti village of Chaurjahari Municipality, Rukum West.
A division bench comprising Judges Somkanta Mainali and Matrika Prasad Bhandari confirmed the life sentences for all convicted perpetrators. However, the court acquitted all defendants of caste-based discrimination charges under the "untouchability offense," ruling that "no reversal of verdict is warranted" on this count.
The High Court also exonerated Nawaraj's then-minor girlfriend (identified as a juvenile at the time of the incident) and her mother.
The violence erupted when 21-year-old Nawaraj BK of Sanagaun, Bheri Municipality-4, Jajarkot, along with friends, visited Soti to escort his girlfriend. A mob armed with domestic weapons assaulted the group, resulting in the deaths of Nawaraj BK, Sanju BK, Ganesh BK, Lokendra Sunar, Govinda Shahi, Tikaram Sunar.
All victims' bodies were later recovered from the Bheri River. The court maintained its strict stance on homicide charges while dismissing ancillary caste-based allegations.
The dual verdict highlights Nepal's ongoing judicial challenges in addressing both violent crimes and caste-related offenses.
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