KATHMANDU: Dalit activists in Kathmandu have intensified protests demanding the resignation and social boycott of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. The demonstrations, organized by the ‘Dalits for Dalits’ campaign, took place at Maitighar Mandala, with protesters accusing the Home Minister of involvement in the abuse of Dalit youth.
The protests stem from allegations that Satyendra Kumar Ram, a Dalit youth from Sarlahi, and his wife Neha Rauniyar, who come from an inter-caste marriage, were subjected to police harassment under Home Minister Lekhak’s orders. Despite being legally married, the couple faced repeated persecution, with Neha’s father, a businessman with ties to the Home Minister, allegedly using his influence to have police intervene and separate the couple.
The National Human Rights Commission is investigating the case, and the Supreme Court has ruling in favor of Neha living with her husband. Despite this, Dalit activists continue to demand accountability and a thorough investigation into the misuse of power.
The protests are calling for his resignation and for action to be taken against those responsible for the abuse.
Power, Politics, and Caste: Did Nepal’s Home Minister Lekhak Orchestrate This Shocking Anti-Dalit Crackdown?
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is facing serious allegations of misusing police power to separate an inter-caste couple, Satyendra Kumar Ram (Chamar) and Neha Rauniyar, both from Sarlahi’s Barahathwa municipality. The couple legally married, but Neha’s father, Surendra Rauniyar, a businessman with political ties, used his influence with home minister Lekhak to have the police intervene in the personal case.
Satyendra was arrested in Mumbai by the Nepal Police’s Kathmandu Valley Crime Division and a child marriage case was filed against him to forcibly annul their marriage. The couple sought legal help, and the Supreme Court of Nepal ruled in their favor, granting Neha the right to stay with her husband. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also lunched an investigation, finding evidence that police acted under direct orders from Home Minister Lekhak.
Reports indicate that police officers involved admitted to following orders and allegedly tortured Satyendra. The case has sparked Dalit protests and calls for Lekhak’s resignation, with Dalit activists accusing him of supporting caste-based oppression. Human rights groups have condemned the misuse of state power, and protests continue demanding justice. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied his involvement.