The Bhutanese Leading the way.
A disturbing case of child sexual abuse has come to light in Paro, where a man has been arrested and charged with raping and impregnating his minor daughter. The case, now before the Paro District Court, has shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about child protection and family safety.
Medical examinations revealed that the minor was pregnant and suffering from eclampsia which is a rare condition in which a pregnant or postpartum woman suddenly experiences seizures. It is a serious complication of pregnancy that can lead to injury or death of the pregnant woman and/or baby. Despite efforts by medical staff, the baby could not be saved.
Following medical protocol and legal requirements, the hospital reported the matter to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) in Paro on 11 February 2025. A subsequent investigation led to the arrest of the girl’s biological father. Although he initially denied the allegations, DNA test results confirmed his paternity, implicating him in the crime.
Currently, the minor is under care in a shelter home and is getting medical assistance.
After the death of her mother, she moved in with her father who was residing in Paro.
It is not yet known whether she has any siblings, and given her critical condition after the incident, priority has been given towards her health and recovery.
RBP charge sheeted the case to Office of Attorney General (OAG) on 11 March 2025 charging the father under rape of a child above twelve years of age and incest.
Subsequently, OAG on 25 March 2025 forwarded the case to Paro District Court with the same charges as RBP. The case is ongoing in the court.
As per Penal Code of Bhutan, a defendant shall be guilty of the offence of rape of a child above the age of twelve years, if the defendant has sexual intercourse with a child between the age of twelve to eighteen years.
The offence of rape of a child above the age of twelve years shall be a felony of the third degree with sentence term of imprisonment, a minimum of which shall be five years and a maximum of which shall be less than nine years.
As for incest, a defendant shall be guilty of the offence of incest, if the defendant engages in sexual intercourse or any other sexual conduct with a person to whom the defendant is related by consanguinity or affinity in such a way that they cannot legally marry except otherwise provided in other laws.
The offence of incest shall be a misdemeanor with sentence term of imprisonment, a minimum of which shall be one year and a maximum of which shall be less than three years.
