Kathmandu Metropolitan City has handed over a comprehensive 120-page investigation report to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) concerning the case of Rekha Kumari Sharma, a member of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly. Sharma is accused of detaining a young girl and forcing her into domestic work, an incident that prompted the investigation.

A team from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, including officials from the Child Welfare Department of the metropolis, submitted the report to NHRC Secretary Murari Prasad Kharel on Sunday. During the handover, Secretary Kharel said that no individual, regardless of their position, should misuse state power in cases of human rights violations. He also assured the metropolis team of a fair and thorough investigation, with a focus on protecting children from such exploitation.

The investigation was sparked after government attorneys decided not to pursue charges against Sharma, prompting the NHRC to take action. The government officials are accused of sparing Sharma at the behest of ruling CPN-UML.

Earlier, the NHRC requested documents from the metropolis related to the case. Dheeraj Joshi, an official at the Mayor’s secretariat, also pointed out potential conflicts of interest involving the Office of the Attorney General in this connection.

Previously, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City had drawn the attention of the police on May 30, 2024, regarding crimes against children and the prohibition of trafficking. However, both the Kathmandu District Government Attorney’s Office and the Patan High Government Attorney's Office decided not to move forward with the case.

The NHRC has stated that it will expand its investigation into the matter, vowing to ensure impartiality and hold those responsible accountable through legal proceedings.

The incident dates back to May 27 when Kathmandu Metropolitan City rescued a 14-year-old girl. Before the rescue operation, interns from the education department at the Metropolis conducted surveys to assess the living conditions of children staying in homes outside their family networks. The girl, a seventh-grade student, revealed that she had been kept as a domestic worker by UML lawmaker Sharma. She was reportedly tasked with cooking, washing clothes, tending to the garden, and cleaning the house, among other chores. The girl also disclosed that she had often been physically abused by Sharma, who allegedly beat her with hands and a pipe.