Cop called home from spot before being burnt alive

Told wife to take care of daughters, see to their education
SORHAWA, BARDIYA, Aug 26: When the clock struck exactly 1 p.m. on Monday, police constable Ram Bihari Chaudhari called his wife Sirjana Tharu at their home at Daulatpuriki, Sauraha-9.

Sirjana's eyes teared up when he asked her to take care of the children and their studies. He stressed the need for their 13-year-old daughter Ansala Chaudhary and 10-year-old Anushree to receive a higher education. "That's what I wish for my daughters," he had said.

Unlike at other times, Sirjana noticed that her husband's voice was stressed and shaky. Various thoughts stirred in her mind. She tried to call him back but the phone was switched off. After some time, she received news that some policemen had been killed during a clash in Tikapur. Then when her husband's name was mentioned in the 6 o'clock news, the 30-year-old fainted right where she was standing. She is still unconscious and is being administered saline water.

Srijana's brother-in-law, Ghan Shyam Chaudhary, said that was the last time Bihari's voice was heard. Ghan Shyam, who is a teacher, suspects that the call home was made after the protesters took him under their control. "I think the protestors told him he was going to die and gave him a chance to make a last call to someone," said a tearful Ghan Shayam.

Ram Bihari's children Anjushree and Ansala turned numb and speechless when Ghan Shyam related the incident to them. The two girls have since been avoiding any company.

"It is very wrong to take somebody's life just to press a demand," Ghan Shyam said, adding, "Cross-community feelings should not be harmed in the name of keeping a province intact." Ghan Shyam had recognized the burnt body and face of the deceased as his brother when it was posted on Facebook.

Ram Bihari was a very friendly and supportive individual in the village. He was known for his fairness toward everyone. "My brother was always friendly ever as a child," Ghan Shyam further said. "We didn't hear a single complaint from his office during his 13 years of service."

The whole village was in mourning when a Republica reporter reached there Tuesday evening. The tears of the relatives, neighbors and well-wishers had not yet dried. They were waiting when a Nepal Police team finally brought the body from Nepalgunj. His last rites were performed later the same day.