Radha Chaudhary, who was tortured for six hours in public on witchcraft allegation at Devkaliya of Ghodaghodi Municipality-5, Kailali, on March 8, was felicitated in her village on Friday. 

Radha reached Devkailya with Chief District Officer Govinda Rijal, Superintendent of Police Binod Ghimire and the representatives from various organisations. 

The 18-year-old was felicitated at her school by the social organisations working against women violence in the district. 

“A person can never be a witch. But the people here could not understand that. I was tortured because of ignorance and superstition,” said Radha. 

Ram Bahadur Chaudhary, a self-proclaimed shaman; two of his aides, Kismati Chaudhary and Smarika Chaudhary; Bed Prasad Chaudhary; Chankala Chaudhary; and Sitarani Chaudhary had tortured Radha accusing her of practicing witchcraft on the day the country was observing the International Women’s Day. 

CDO Rijal said social and cultural malpractices must be eradicated to build a better society. “For that to happen,” he said, “all people should make conscientious effort to treat one another with respect.” Rijal also urged the participants at the programme to help Radha in her rehabilitation in her village.

Radha returned to the district headquarters after the function. The authorities feel that the situation in the village is still not conducive for her to return. 

SP Ghimire said Radha was still recovering from that traumatic experience and she was not yet comfortable with the idea of returning home. 

“She will return after she has recovered and the situation at the village has become normal,” he said.