Human Rights

Sarlahi, Nepal - February 5, 2025 In a disturbing turn of events, the state's role in dismantling inter-caste marriages has come under scrutiny following a shocking incident in Sarlahi. Satyendra Kumar Ram (Chamar) of Barhathawa Municipality-4 and Neha Rauniyar of Barhathawa-5, who married across caste lines, have been subjected to egregious treatment allegedly orchestrated by state authorities. The couple, supported in their marriage by involvement from high-ranking officials including the Home Minister and police personnel, faced severe harassment and legal threats after their inter-caste marriage. Reports indicate that Nepal Police, under directives allegedly from the Home Minister, apprehended the couple in Mumbai, India, threatening Satyendra with baseless charges ranging from child marriage to drug trafficking.