Harassment complaint filed against peace restoration center staff at Gaurifanta checkpoint

Dhangadhi: Two Nepali youths have filed a complaint alleging harassment by a counselor of the Peace Restoration Center at Gaurifanta checkpoint on Sunday morning. Hira Karki, a counselor at the center, reportedly harassed Krishna Bhusal of Bainiya Rampur, Kailali, and his brother Prakash Bhusal.

Krishna Bhusal, who works as a cook in Mumbai, India, had accompanied his brother to the checkpoint. Prakash Bhusal was denied entry into Nepal by the Indian SSB due to lack of identity documents. Krishna approached the Armed Police Force at Gaurifanta to resolve the issue, after which an officer coordinated with the Indian side to allow Prakash to enter.

Krishna stated that he recorded a video of the Armed Police officer negotiating with Indian authorities. Counselor Karki allegedly confiscated Krishna’s mobile phone, claiming the Peace Restoration Center staff were also visible in the video, and harassed the brothers for two hours, questioning why the video was made. The phone, taken at 6:45 am, was returned around 9 am after intervention by Kalsho Rana, coordinator of the Peace Restoration Center in Dhangadhi.

Center coordinator Rana confirmed that the mobile phone had initially been taken by Counselor Karki after being handed over by the Indian police, and assured that an investigation will be conducted and necessary action taken.

The Peace Restoration Center, like Maiti Nepal, monitors trafficking of women and children. However, this incident highlights alleged misconduct by the center’s staff, involving prolonged harassment of the two youths at the border.