Nov 25, Kathmandu -  A man has been arrested by the police in connection with the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl in Surkhet.

The suspect, Mahendra Aryal, 40, of Panchpuri Municipality-5, has been taken into custody on charges of raping the young girl. According to the District Police Office Surkhet, Aryal allegedly lured and forcibly raped the girl, based on a complaint filed by the victim.

Aryal is also the operator of Saraswati Vidya Niketan English Boarding School’s hostel in Panchpuri-5, where the girl was residing. The police stated that the incident occurred on the night of Mangsir 3rd at approximately 9 pm.

Following the assault, Aryal fled the scene but was tracked down and arrested by a five-member police team under Sub-Inspector Bhupendra Shahi from Babiyachaur Police Office. The team caught him hiding around Bachkanda in Panchpuri-1 at approximately midnight on Sunday.

The suspect is currently in police custody at Babiyachaur Police Office, as investigations continue. Authorities have also conducted a health check-up on the victim and are taking the necessary legal steps to ensure justice.