A 25-year-old woman named Gita Kumari Jaisi Shahi and her four-year-old son, who were living in a rented room in Manma, ward 1 of Khadachakra Municipality in the district, remain missing since Thursday night.

Gita is the second wife of Dan Bahadur Shahi, who is originally from Bhagawatimai Rural Municipality, Diktel of Khotang district, and has been living in Manma for over 15 years. Dan Bahadur is a local businessman and was a member of the CPN-UML, Kalikot.

He was suspended from the party after allegations of domestic abuse started surfacing against him.

Gita was living separately from her husband due to constant disputes, according to Gita’s family members. According to Pabitra Jaisi Dhamala, a relative of Gita, Dan Bahadur was physically abusing Gita for a very long time. Gita has filed two cases against him at the district court demanding a divorce and her and her son’s share of property.

“After Gita moved court, she was regularly threatened by her husband and his family to drop the case,” said Dhamala. “Given the couple’s history, Gita and her son going missing is alarming.”

According to the chief of the District Police Office, DSP Arjun KC, a search and investigation have been launched to look for the missing mother and son. She was last seen leaving the local Subedi Hotel, and heading for her rented room, said police.

Namaraj Subedi, owner of the hotel, said that at around 9pm, after dinner, Gita left the hotel.

Gita’s family has accused Dan Bahadur of raping Gita five years ago, which led to her pregnancy. “He married her after she got pregnant,” said Dhamala. “Since then, he had been physically abusing her. She left his house to live separately with her son. She has sought for divorce and property rights from him.”

Police have arrested three suspects, including Dan Bahadur and his first wife, for questioning.

On Friday, Gita’s relatives and friends protested in front of the District Police Office demanding Gita’s swift return.