Kathmandu : Roshani Lama, a sexual and gender minority member, has lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleging that she was thrashed by a police constable for no apparent reason.

The incident reportedly took place on a rainy Friday in Thamel, Kathmandu. She was taking shelter under a building when the police official stopped her and approached to beat her up.

She cried for help, but no help arrived at the scene. Later, some people took her to a hospital. After recovering, she approached Blue Diamond Society, a non-governmental organisation focused on SGM rights, for assistance.

BDS’s representatives accompanied her to file a case with the police office in Durbarmarga. But Lama claimed that BDS representatives forced her into reaching an agreement with the police constable instead.

The police constable apologised, and gave Rs 3,500 in compensation, she said. Feeling pressured and dissatisfied, Lama decided to pursue the case with the NHRC. “I pleaded with BDS for justice. However, they forced me to reconcile after the officer apologised and offered money,” she said to Pahichan.

Lama’s complaint focuses on the issue of alleged police harassments against SGM members for no apparent reason. “We are also human; we have the same rights as others. Why is there such an inhumane behavior to us?” she questioned.

SGM organisations, Mayako Sansar and Mayako Pahichan Nepal, have come forward to support Lama in this fight for justice.

The Commission said it would write to the police requesting details about the incident. “We will seek information from the police regarding the incident. Let’s see what will be the response,” said an official of the Commission.