A 55-year-old man has been arrested on the charge of raping his 13-year-old granddaughter in Kailali district.

Kallu Tharu, 55, has been apprehended and is currently in custody for investigation, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Pratik Bista, Spokesperson at the District Police Office.

The girl, it has been learnt, is now four months pregnant. The locals have blocked the road in agitation stating that the perpetrators are trying to settle the incident by means of 'monetary compensation. The girl's father confirmed the same.

According to the relatives of the victim, the accused called the girl to his place on November 20 and allegedly raped her. Having heard of her ordeal, the family decided to approach the police to lodge a complaint against Tharu at the District Police Office on January 25. Police arrested him the same day.

Meanwhile, in order to place strong scientific evidence before the court, the girl did not undergo an abortion, informed the girl's father.