Lalitpur — Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli has said the incident in which a minister’s official vehicle struck a schoolgirl in Harisiddhi is being exaggerated for political purposes.
Speaking at the second day of the UML Statute Convention in Godawari on Saturday, Oli clarified that the collision was minor and assured that the party would bear all medical expenses. He added the program was delayed by an hour due to the incident.
“An accident occurred when a vehicle brushed against a child. She was immediately taken to hospital, and there was no malicious intent. The party will cover her treatment costs. We regret the incident and wish her a speedy recovery,” Oli said.
Incident in Lalitpur
The accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. on Saturday near Harisiddhi Secondary School, Lalitpur-28. A government vehicle (registration number Ko 1 Jha 699) carrying Koshi Province Minister for Economic Affairs and Planning Haribahadur Magar hit 11-year-old Usha Magar Sunuwar as she attempted to cross the road.
CCTV footage shows the child being struck near a zebra crossing and falling to the ground. The vehicle did not stop, while a woman on a motorcycle behind helped lift the girl. Lalitpur Police confirmed Minister Magar was inside the vehicle at the time.
Superintendent of Police Chakra Raj Joshi said the girl was taken to B&B Hospital, where she is receiving treatment. Police later impounded the vehicle in Godawari. Minister Magar visited the hospital to check on the girl’s condition and expressed concern for her recovery.
The minister had been en route to attend the UML Statute Convention, which opened in Godawari on Friday.
