Series of Child Abductions, Rapes and Murders Sparks Outcry in Nepal’s Madhesh Province

A series of child abductions, sexual violence and murders in Madhesh Province has exposed serious safety gaps for youngsters. In Dhanusha, a 15-month-old vanished on September 3, was located 300 metres from his home after an 11-day search, and a 41-year-old woman was arrested near the Nepal-India border, saying she wanted a son. In Saptari, a two-year-old disappeared on August 18 and was later found dead; her stepmother admitted killing her amid a land dispute.

In Bara, a three-year-old was lured with chocolate, raped and murdered in August, prompting protests and the arrest of four suspects. The government responded with a three-point plan to review legal provisions, a seven-member committee, and the recall of two police officers, while activists stress the need for parental vigilance, community monitoring and better implementation of child-protection measures.