Police on Thursday arrested a person who was on the run after allegedly raping a minor at Patnali in Dharan Sub-metropolitan City, Sunsari, five weeks ago.

Police apprehended Sujan Majhi, 25, of Dharan-27, from Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, on Thursday and made him public in Dharan on Friday.

According to police, Majhi had raped a 12-year-old girl in the village. She was staying with her grandmother at Patnali. Majhi had pressed the victim’s family to settle the matter mutually after the incident came to light. Majhi is said to have raped another girl earlier in the village and settled the crime locally.

It has been learnt that influential locals and some local leaders of the political parties have tried to protect the accused.

However, Deputy Super-intendent of Police Dhakendra Khatiwada said they have taken him into custody for investigation.