Police on Tuesday arrested five men on charge of gang-raping a 14-year-old girl in Chhayanath Rara Municipality.

A 30-year-old municipal police officer, a 22-year-old man, and three teenage boys have been arrested in this connection, said Police Inspector Bhupendra Budhathoki, also the information officer at the district police office. The boys are all under the age of 14.

The incident came to light after the victim was found to be 18 weeks pregnant during a health checkup. Her family had taken her to the hospital when her health started to deteriorate.

As per the police complaint filed by the victim, the 30-year-old officer had allegedly visited her house on October 5, 2023, and lured her outside under the pretext of some work. Two of the accused then raped her.

Four other accused are on the run, police said.

The judicial custody of the arrestees has been extended by five days for investigation, Budhathoki added.