Rising Sexual Crimes and Social Media Misuse in Godawari, Kailali

Dhangadhi - Godawari of Kailali has seen a worrying trend in sexual crimes, with 23 cases registered in the financial year 2080/81, according to the area police office in Malakheti.

Police Chief Ganga Bahadur Thapa reported that these cases include 16 complaints related to forced labor and seven involving the forced labor industry. Additionally, two more complaints of child sexual abuse were registered.

The previous years' statistics highlight a persistent issue. In the financial year 2078/79, there were 39 cases of extortion and 21 cases of extortion-related activities in Godawari. The following year, 23 applications for extortion and eight for extortion-related activities were recorded.

hese trends indicate an ongoing struggle to curb these crimes. Under the legal system, severe punishments are mandated for those convicted of forced rape, varying based on the victim's age. For instance, if the victim is under 10 years old, the perpetrator faces 16 to 20 years in prison.

The sentences decrease slightly for older victims but remain stringent. Mass rape, rape of vulnerable individuals, and rape involving weapons incur additional penalties. Other offenses such as sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, unnatural sexual intercourse, and bestiality are also addressed under the law.

The misuse of social media has compounded these issues. The expansion of internet services has led to an increase in social media users, which has, in turn, facilitated criminal activities. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Viber, Imo, and Skype have become avenues for exploitation.

Casual online acquaintances often develop into problematic relationships, sometimes resulting in blackmail, violence, and even murder. The misuse of social media is particularly prevalent among teenagers under 18, raising significant concerns about online safety and the need for better regulatory measures. As authorities work to address these challenges, bringing perpetrators to justice remains a priority.

Increased awareness, preventive measures, and stricter enforcement of existing laws are crucial to mitigating these rising threats in Godawari and the broader Kailali region.