A 29-year-old woman from ward 2 of Bagnaskali Rural Municipality in Palpa died during abortion attempts at private clinics in Butwal, with her family alleging medical negligence and demanding action.

Geeta Pandey had travelled from Palpa to Butwal for an abortion after experiencing complications in a 12-week pregnancy, her family said. She died while undergoing treatment across three private clinics.

According to the family, Pandey first visited Khatri Nursing Home with her husband, Prakash Pandey, on Saturday. Health workers administered medication to induce abortion. When it failed, she was taken to Zonal Pharmacy and later to Indulekha Health Clinic, where further attempts were made using medication.

Her condition deteriorated, and she was eventually taken to Lumbini City Hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

The family has filed a complaint at the Area Police Office, Butwal, demanding action against those involved.

Police said three individuals linked to the clinics have been arrested following the complaint. Deputy Superintendent of Police Nishant Srivastava said Sandhya Basnet of Khatri Nursing Home, Nilam Gharti Magar of Zonal Pharmacy, and Khagendra Pandey of Indulekha Clinic were taken into custody. A court on Tuesday granted an extension for further investigation.

Police had also placed Dr DB Khatri of Khatri Nursing Home and Dr Satish Rupakheti of Indulekha Health Clinic under surveillance. Both presented themselves at the police office on Wednesday morning and are currently being questioned, Srivastava said.

The body has been kept at Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal.

The family has sought action under Section 230 of the National Penal Code, 2017, which prohibits medical treatment by unauthorised individuals, and has also demanded compensation. They alleged that all medical documents related to her treatment were retained by those involved.