Adopted child recounts story of abuse

PREM NEPALI

POKHARA, March 11 - As an international conference on adoption is underway in the capital, an 11-year old girl has come forward to tell the world a story of sexual exploitation and torture at the home of her adoptive parents. 

The story of the girl came to light as the girl declined to return to the home of her adopter Ganga Acharya and began to stay at the school even after school. The Acharya family had adopted the minor, who hails from Ashrang-3, Gorkha district, two years ago.

Taken by surprise, her teachers and friends had asked what was troubling her. She then recounted her story of sexual abuse by members of her adoptive family, before the teachers.

Her days of sexual abuse began ten days after she was adopted, according to the girl. The victim alleged that the eldest son of Acharya, Bishnu, and his relative Bedhari Bhattarai perpetually raped her.

"Bishnu dai used to do dirty things, gagging my mouth, and warning me that he would kill me if I disclosed it to others," the victim told the Post on Sunday, recounting her horrible moments while staying at the Acharya family. "I could not share this story with others earlier due to fear of being beaten up."

The police have arrested Bishnu, 20 and Bedhari, 19, on rape charges. In the meantime, child rights activists staged a demonstration today before the Kaski District Police Office, demanding action against the guilty.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Bhola Raj Ojha said that the medical report has shown that the girl was raped. "Rape case would be filed against Bishnu and Bedhari."