Himal Hub / Rekha Sharma, a member of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly, has been arrested in Kathmandu on allegations of employing a minor as a domestic worker.
A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office detained her on Monday morning from Dhumbarahi. The arrest comes despite an earlier case file prepared by the District Government Attorney’s Office, Kathmandu, which had recommended that charges not be filed. The file had been forwarded through the High Government Attorney’s Office to the Office of the Attorney General.
The case surfaced after a minor was rescued from Sharma’s residence. During the rescue operation, officials from the metropolitan city police, ward representatives, and Nepal Police were present and documented the incident in an official report. The minor, who had reportedly been working at Sharma’s residence for the past six years, has alleged that she was subjected to physical abuse.
According to her statement, members of the household, including the family of Provincial Assembly member Rekha Kumari Sharma, allegedly assaulted her using their hands and pipes and forced her to carry out various domestic chores such as mopping floors, cooking, and watering plants. She further claimed that she had been unable to contact or visit her family during the entire period and was not permitted to return home, even during major festivals like Dashain.
During the review of survey documents, the court also recorded the minor’s statement in a confidential setting. Following indications of abuse, Kathmandu Metropolitan City lodged a complaint against Sharma with the police.
