Bishnu Maya Thapa, 50, of Myagde Rural Municiplaity, Tanahun, today knocked the door of Tanahun District Police Office seeking justice saying he was thrashed on the charge of practising witchcraft.

Thapa complained that she came to the police office seeking justice as she was thrashed by Baburam Ale, 45, of Mandre Chhopne of Suklagandaki Municipality one-and-a-half months ago. Both sides were invited to the police office and a discussion was held today evening. Thapa, however, has yet to file a case against Ale. According to Thapa, Ale had slapped her on the charge of being a witch while she was on her way home after praying at the church on 1 December  2018. “Ale slapped me on my cheek four times charging me of being the witch,” Thapa said.

Arati Thapa, who accompanied Thapa to the police office, demanded stern action against Ale. Arati said they had come to the police as their complaint with the Tole Reform and Mothers’ Group had fallen on deaf ears. Ale, however, refuted the allegation. “She looked a bit sick and pale. So, I had just caressed her cheek but did not thrash her,” Ale said.

DSP Shyamu Aryal said an investigation was under way and both sides were being interrogated. “The guilty will be punished though,” DSP Aryal pledged.