The small Dalit settlement of Bahadurpur, which lies around 500 metres to the southwest of Katahariya Bazar in Rautahat district, has been shrouded in grief for over a week. On August 27, 30-year-old Nasib Baitha died while undergoing treatment at Sports Hospital in Birgunj. His death followed a brutal beating over allegations that he stole a mobile phone worth around Rs30,000—allegations that police investigations later revealed to be false.

When the Post visited Nasib’s home on Monday, his mother Sunaina sat surrounded by relatives, her face etched with sorrow. “They killed my son over a false accusation,” she said, her voice trembling. Sunaina has now lost both her husband and her only son within a month.

Nasib, who worked as a mixer machine operator for a local construction company, was accused by locals Bijay Yadav and his brother Sanjay after Sanjay’s phone went missing in July. On July 16, Sanjay filed a complaint at the Area Police Office in Katahariya, naming Nasib as a suspect. Police summoned him for questioning on July 17. But Deputy Superintendent of Police Rajan Karki confirmed that investigations found no evidence linking Nasib to the theft.

Despite the lack of proof, tensions escalated. On August 2, co-worker Garbhu Dayal Sarbhang publicly slapped Nasib in the market, accusing him of stealing the phone. The next day, Bijay and Sanjay allegedly tied him up in a Bahadurpur orchard and thrashed him with chains and rods.

Locals called police, who rescued Nasib but made no arrests in connection with the assault. Officers later claimed the victim was not found tied when they arrived, but family members insist the assailants were released without any investigation. “Had the police acted immediately, my son would still be alive,” lamented Sunaina.

Following the assault, Nasib’s health deteriorated rapidly. His father Babulal passed away on August 9 and he performed a 13-day death ritual, which delayed his treatment. As chest pain worsened, he was first taken to a local health post, then Narayani Provincial Hospital, and finally Birgunj’s Sports Hospital. After five days in intensive care Nasib died on August 27. According to the family, they spent around Rs400,000 on his treatment.

Sunaina has filed a murder case against five individuals. Police have arrested Garbhu, while the Yadav brothers and two others remain at large. “The investigation is ongoing, and those absconding will be arrested soon,” said DSP Karki.

Nasib’s death stands as a grim reminder that caste, poverty, and impunity remain harsh realities in Nepali society. For his widow, Gita Das, who now has to raise four young children alone, justice feels far away. “They killed him because he was poor and Dalit,” she said.