Shanti Pariyar, a health worker at the Department of Gynecology and Child Care of Fewa City Hospital, has accused her co-workers of caste-based discrimination at a press meet held on Sunday.

Pariyar, a local of Pokhara Municipality Ward 15, accused Sushma Thapa, Sushmita Kunwar, Nirmala Thapa, Esha Pun, Priti Gurung, Simana Malla, and Sushma Gurung of practicing caste-based discrimination. Victim Pariyar complained that it began on May 31.

According to Pariyar, staff nurses at the Department had a group chat where they talked about work and other issues. But, after May 31, those accused formed a separate group chat which provided a platform for caste-based discrimination. Demeaning words were used to describe her on the basis of her caste and physical appearance.

Pariyar made public the humiliating words used in the chat group. “Such incidents wouldn't happen previously but began after May 31,” she said.

According to Pariyar, she asked those accused to formally apologize but they refused after which she complained to the hospital administration and staff. Pariyar states that everyone took the perpetrators' side rather than supporting her. She has demanded that Sushma Thapa be suspended from the hospital for a month and fired from her position as ward in-charge of Gyno and Child Care. Pariyar also demanded a 15-day suspension of the remaining perpetrators. As of now, her demands have been unheard. “I also filed a complaint against the accused at the District Police Office,” Pariyar said. 

So as to provide justice to Pariyar, a Sanyukta Dalit Sangharsha Samiti has been formed in coordination with Bhim Bahadur BK.