Achham, Aug 29 – Two people lost their lives and another was injured early this morning when a large stone fell from a nearby cliff onto a menstrual hut in Achham district.

The deceased have been identified as Nim Khanal, 35, a resident of Panchadewal Binayak Municipality-8, and seven-year-old Kabita Bhandari, daughter of Gore Bhandari from Mangalsen Municipality-6. Both died on the spot while they were asleep inside the hut.

Kabita’s mother, who was also in the hut at the time of the incident, sustained injuries and has been taken to a local health post for treatment.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Om Prakash Khanal, a team led by Police Inspector Tek Bahadur Deuba has been dispatched to the site for further investigation.

Despite being legally banned, the practice of isolating menstruating women and girls in huts known locally as Chhaupadi continues in parts of western Nepal, often putting lives at risk.