The Bhutanese Leading the way.
Royal Bhutan Police (RBP) Paro has arrested two men, a 31-year-old bus driver and 39-year-old army personnel for attempting to rape a 27-year-old woman in Bondey, Paro.
The incident took place in the early hours of 11th June 2025 when the victim and her 28-year-old boyfriend were at a karaoke bar. The two suspects, who were strangers to the couple, reportedly approached them aggressively and disturbed their space, attempting to provoke a fight.
The couple decided to leave the venue around 3 am to avoid further confrontation.
However, the suspects followed the couple and physically assaulted the boyfriend without provocation, forcing him to flee to save his life. The suspects then dragged the woman towards a nearby river and allegedly attempted to undress her.
A passerby who witnessed the incident intervened, but was severely beaten by the suspects. The bystander later required jaw surgery and is currently under medical review. The boyfriend also sustained minor injuries above his eye, which have been treated.
Fortunately, the boyfriend promptly reported the incident to the Bondey police station. Police responded swiftly, preventing the crime from escalating further.
Paro police confirmed that no rape has occurred, as supported by both the medical examination and the victim’s statement.
The victim is currently under the care of the PEMA Secretariat and is receiving support and treatment. Once her recovery is complete, the case will be formally charge-sheeted to the court.
Both suspects were reportedly intoxicated at the time of the incident. The bus driver is currently in police custody, while the army personnel is being held by the Royal Bhutan Army and will be handed over to the police upon the charge-sheeting of the case to court.
RBP is making further investigations into the case. The suspects are expected to face charges of criminal attempt to rape and battery in court.
