The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has expressed sorrow after a four-year-old girl was killed after being hit by a vehicle used during an election campaign in Rautahat.

In a statement issued on Friday, RSP general secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said the party was taking initiatives to provide relief and support to the victim’s family.

“We express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. The party has taken this incident very seriously,” the statement said, adding that RSP would fully cooperate with authorities for an objective investigation.

The party said it would follow legal procedures and make every effort to ensure justice for the victim’s family. It has also directed its cadres, candidates and drivers to exercise caution while operating vehicles during election campaigns, prioritising safety.

The incident occurred in Rautahat-2 during the election campaign of RSP candidate Sheikh Sagir. Police said a car hit Alpha Khatun, daughter of Mohammad Sagir, at Mathiyatole in ward 4 of Ishnath Municipality on Thursday afternoon.

The girl was critically injured and taken to City Hospital in Gaur by the driver. Police said the driver fled after leaving the child at the hospital and was arrested later in the evening. The child was later referred to the Provincial Hospital in Gaur, where doctors declared her dead.