The Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended Superintendent of Police (SP) Bidyananda Majhi and Inspector Chiranjeevi Dahal for trying to settle a gang rape case by suggesting the victim to reconcile with perpetrators.

Nepal Police Headquarters had recommended the ministry to suspend the police duo on Tuesday.

Home Secretary Mohan Krishna Sapkota confirmed the suspension.

A 14-year old girl, a 10th grader, of Itahari-20, was raped by her alleged boy friend Jokam Limbu and his friend Manish Shrestha at the Halgada-based Royal Resort in Itahari on December 31.

A probe committee formed by the police had interrogated SP Bidyananda Majhi of the District Police Office, Sunsari, for his alleged involvement in settling the gang rape case.

Inspector Dahal was transferred to the Biratnagar Police Office on Monday citing he could destroy evidences that could be used against him and could pose hurdles in further investigation into the case.

In a similar case, the Home Ministry had suspended Inspector Laxman Thakuri of Metropolitan Police Circle, Durbarmarg, on Monday for trying to settle a case of gang rape that took place at the Durbarmarg-based Landmark Hotel in Kathmandu without opting due legal process.