Police in Sankhuwasabha have taken into custody the body of a six-year-old girl moments before her cremation, following suspicions that her death resulted from a family dispute.

A team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Daksha Kumar Basnet from the District Police Office, Sankhuwasabha, intercepted the body of Yunika Tamang, daughter of Gopal Tamang, in Gurungchowk, ward 3 of Khandbari Municipality on Thursday.

The incident traces back to May 13 when a domestic dispute occurred between Gopal Tamang and his sister-in-law, Kalpana (Gurung) Tamang, in Sipprang, ward 4 of Bhotkhola Rural Municipality. During the altercation, Kalpana allegedly pushed Yunika, her niece, off a cliff, causing serious injuries.

Yunika was first taken to the District Hospital Sankhuwasabha, but was later referred to Nobel Hospital in Biratnagar for further treatment. She died during treatment on Wednesday, according to police.

Her body is now being kept at the mortuary of the District Hospital Sankhuwasabha, Police Inspector Abhishek Shrestha said.

Police have arrested Kalpana from Sipprang and are transporting her to the district headquarters in Khandbari. The girl’s father, Gopal Tamang, has also been taken into custody for further investigation.