Three Dhankuta girls lose parents in three days

By Kabiraj Ghimire,Hile, Sep,1: A small community in Hile is currently grappling with an unimaginable tragedy, as a local family experienced the loss of both parents within a span of three days.

Dambar Bahadur Magar, who had traveled to Kuwait in search of foreign employment from Mahalaxmi Municipality-1, Katkhare, Sipring Village, Dhankuta, passed away on August 20. Just days after receiving this devastating news, his wife, Bidya Magar, died on August 23, reportedly due to a sudden illness triggered by grief. 

According to family sources, Dambar’s death was attributed to poisoning from toxic alcohol, and Bidya lost consciousness shortly after learning about her husband’s death. Despite being rushed to Jitpur Municipal Hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival, as confirmed by her brother, Ganesh Magar. Dambar had departed for Kuwait two years ago, while Bidya remained in Dhankuta with their three daughters. 

The children, suddenly orphaned, face an uncertain future. The eldest, Bipana Magar, 16, is in grade 12 at Tallo Gokunde School in Dhankuta. Sanju Magar, 15, is in grade 11 at the same school, and the youngest, two-year-old Samita Magar, is still a toddler. The family and community are in shock over this profound loss. Procedures for repatriating Dambar’s body to Dhankuta have been completed, and local authorities are providing comprehensive support.

The municipality has committed to covering the educational expenses of the children, approximately Rs. 60,000 annually, as confirmed by Mayor Dhrubaraj Rai. "The sudden loss of both parents has rendered the children vulnerable. We are coordinating with relatives and community members to ensure their care and education. We will exert every effort to support them,” stated Bimal Thapa, a local resident leading relief efforts.

A bank account has been established in the name of 15-year-old Sanju Magar to facilitate the collection of donations, thereby ensuring immediate assistance for the children. This tragedy has cast a pall of grief not only over the family but also over the entire village, underscoring the precarious realities faced by children who unexpectedly lose their guardians.