Police are investigating into an out-of-court rape settlement case that took place at Surunga Municipality-3 in Saptari district last month.

The Area Police Office in Bhediya has already arrested Mohan Mandal Khatwe, Masun Khatwe, Badri Khatwe and Badri Khatwe for raping a 16-year-old girl and trying to buy the silence of the victim and her family by offering Rs 1.35 million.

Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Singh said the settlement was reached on the same day the young girl was attacked on February 26. 

‘Entire village involved’

After the four men, all above 40 years of age, were caught red-handed forcing themselves onto the girl, they had tried to pay hush-up money in a bid to stay out of jail.

The agreement, SP Singh said, took place before a village assembly where both the accused and the victim sides were present.

Investigation has revealed that the village assembly had advised the girl and her mother to agree to the terms and not to visit police.

The agreement paper was drafted under the title of loan repayment, in which the four men had agreed to pay Rs 1.35 million to the girl’s mother within mid-September.

The village assembly had instructed the witnesses to keep their silence after the agreement was signed by both parties. The entire village was trying to hide the crime, SP Singh said. Police investigation is underway to find the individuals who were part of the village council and approved the settlement.

The Saptari District Court has remanded the four accused in custody pending trial.