The Bara District Court has ordered two juveniles accused in the abduction, rape and murder of 12-year-old Garima Chaudhary of Simara to be sent to a child correction home pending trial, while releasing 10 other defendants on bail or general date.

A bench led by Judge Prakash Kumar Adhikari issued the order on September 9 after reviewing evidence collected during the investigation, including statements, the post-mortem report, medical examination, DNA testing and a psychosocial counselling report.

The court found sufficient grounds to proceed with the case against the two juveniles and ordered them to remain in a child correction home while the trial continues.

Court Orders Rs 200,000 Interim Relief

Alongside the order concerning the two juveniles, the court directed the authorities to provide Rs 200,000 in interim compensation to Garima's family from the Victim Relief Fund.

The decision comes after widespread public outrage over the case and demands from the victim's family and local residents for justice and strong legal action. The government had earlier reached a three-point agreement with Garima's parents concerning the case and their demands.

10 Other Accused Released

The court subsequently ordered the release of 10 other defendants while the legal proceedings continue.

Progresh (Purgesh) Chaudhary of Jitpur Simara-1 was released on Rs 20,000 bail, while nine others were released on general date.

Those released on general date include Progresh's father Indrajit, mother Babita, wife Pushpa, sister Mamata, along with Sabita Chaudhary, Bindu Chaudhary, Tek Bahadur Thapamagar, Nabin BK and Shesh Hasuddin.

The court said it did not find sufficient evidence at this stage to establish their involvement in the alleged crime. The accused had been charged following a complaint filed by Garima's father, Manoj Chaudhary.

One other suspect remains at large, with police continuing efforts to locate the person and complete the investigation.

Garima Went Missing While Playing

Garima disappeared on August 16 after going to play at a house in Jitpur Simara-1. Her body was discovered two days later, on August 18, inside a house in Bhaktinagar.

The incident sparked protests and widespread public anger, with residents demanding that those responsible be brought to justice. Reports at the time said protesters also blocked the Birgunj–Pathlaiya section of the Tribhuvan Highway.

Following an agreement between the government and Garima's parents, the family was able to receive her body and proceed with the funeral according to their wishes. The government also committed to reviewing existing legal provisions dealing with serious crimes against children and establishing a committee to recommend possible legal reforms.

Trial to Continue

With the two juveniles now placed in a child correction home and the other defendants released under different conditions, the case will proceed through the judicial process.

The court's latest orders mark an important step in the investigation, but they do not constitute a final determination of guilt. The allegations against the accused will ultimately be decided through the trial process.

Tags: Garima Chaudhary, Bara, Simara, Nepal Crime, Child Justice, Nepal Court, Juvenile Justice, Rape and Murder Case, Victim Relief Fund