Four teenage girls recently went missing in Sunsari and Morang districts. One of them has been found, one was discovered dead, and two remain untraced—highlighting growing concern over the rise in disappearance cases in eastern Nepal.

Ruka Magar, 14, of ward 3 in Kerabari Rural Municipality of Morang, has been missing since Thursday, the day of Bhaitika. According to her mother, Leela Maya Magar, Ruka left home without informing anyone and has not returned since.

In ward 5 of Inaruwa Municipality, Sunsari, Pandey family has been living in distress since Laxmi Puja. Bhawana Pandey, 15, went out to play bhailo that evening and has not been seen since.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Keshav Kumar Thebe of Sunsari said search operations have intensified. “We are searching in both Nepal and India. We are hopeful of finding her soon,” he said.

A week ago, 14-year-old Ayusha Dhimal from ward 3 of Urlabari Municipality, Morang, went missing after leaving her maternal home in ward 5 of Kanepokhari Rural Municipality. She was later rescued by police from a hotel in Bargachhi, Biratnagar, SP Kabita Katuwal said. “She was found at the hotel and has been handed over to her guardians,” she said.

Earlier, on October 7, 13-year-old Anshu Gautam from ward 2 of Letang Municipality, Morang, went missing after leaving home to play on a swing.

Two weeks later, her body was found in the Belbari-Chisang Community Forest. Local women had discovered her mutilated body while cutting grass. Her head and torso were separated, and her clothes were torn. The family identified her by her clothing, slippers and wristwatch.

Police have sent the body for DNA verification and forensic examination to confirm her identity and determine the cause of death. “The report will clarify the facts,” SP Katuwal said. “An investigation is ongoing, and we will make the findings public soon.”

Police said incidents of missing girls have increased in Sunsari, Morang, and Jhapa in recent months, with most victims being teenagers. They believe excessive use of social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram has played a major role, often leading to manipulation, deceit, and, in some cases, sexual violence and murder.

Authorities said the surge in such cases highlights a serious social concern, calling for better parental supervision, improved communication within families, and stronger awareness about online safety.