This article contains references to sexual violence.
In May, a young woman in Nepal took to TikTok to share her account of sexual abuse, kicking off a storm of protests over the country's rape laws.
In one of 20 videos uploaded to social media, Sushmita Regmi - a once-aspiring model and former teen beauty pageant winner - spoke of how a pageant organiser had invited her to a hotel for a 'success party' when she was just 16.
"He fed me lemonade, and I felt woozy. He asked me to go and rest in a room. I lost consciousness. Drifting in and out of consciousness, I found him inside me. Later, when I was fully conscious, I found him sleeping next to me, naked. I, too, was naked, and there was blood on the sheets," she said before breaking down in tears.
Ms Regmi alleged the perpetrator took nude photos and videos and then used them to blackmail and abuse her for months.
Her allegations, which were made public on 18 May, took social media by storm in Nepal, prompting a campaign to remove the statute of limitations on reporting cases of rape.
Nepal's current law classifies any sexual intercourse with minors under 18 as rape.
Youths seen making gestures during the protest. Source: Sipa USA Prabin Ranabhat / SOPA Images/Si
However, rape survivors have a one-year limit in which to report the offence being committed.
The incident alleged by Ms Regmi, now 25, happened eight years ago.
The videos, since deleted, sparked activists to stage an anti-rape protest in front of the Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba's office on 20 May.
Later that day, PM Deuba's backbencher, Gagan Kumar Thapa, brought up sexual violence in his address to the House of Representatives.
"I am thinking of how scared my daughter was when Sushmita shared the video where she talked of being raped eight years ago," Mr Thapa said.
"I would also like to request the honourable Speaker of the parliament to direct the government to rethink the statute of limitations."
Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota responded by ordering an investigation but did not mention the statute of limitations.
"My attention has been seriously drawn to the subject of sexual violence that the honourable MP mentioned," said Speaker Sapkota.
"I order the Nepal government to investigate this matter, determine the truth and bring the accused under the purview of the law soon."
On 22 May, Manoj Pande was arrested by Nepal police in relation to Ms Regmi's case.
However, Mr Pande, who is widely reported in Nepal to be an educational agent, including to various Australian colleges and universities, was charged with human trafficking and access to drugs.
The roundabout way of accessing the justice system has incensed many, and protests throughout the Himalayan nation are simmering.
There's even a Facebook group, “”, where several people have collaborated spontaneously along with WhatsApp groups popping up for legal outreach, survivor support and campaigning.
Youth activists of civic society groups shout slogans during a protest against rape and domestic violence, in Kathmandu, Nepal, 20 May 2022. Source: EPA
Journalist Subina Shrestha is leading an effort to compile testimonies from other victims.
“If more girls have been abused, assaulted, or raped by the same abusers, the case for appealing the statutory limitation would be much stronger. The limitation has to be removed,” said Shrestha on Twitter.
Neighbouring countries like India and Pakistan not having a statute of limitations on rape cases is also prompting activists to push for similar laws in Nepal.
But not everyone agrees.
Answering a question by journalist Rishi Dhamala, Tikaram Bhattarai, a lawyer, explained why he disagrees with the movement.
"Removing or stretching the statute of limitations can create difficulties for the state to gather proof and for the court to disseminate justice," he told Dhamala.
"The crowd should not direct the parliament. One incident should not be the reason for changing a whole law. A judge should not decide cases by reading newspapers or looking at crowds through the window."
Many others on social media argue that removing the statute of limitations will allow people to file fictitious cases or cases based on prejudice.
Such arguments seem to reflect a trend of deep-rooted misogyny in Nepal.
More high-profile cases
A few months before Ms Regmi's videos were posted, the country also witnessed rallies supporting Purna Bikram Shah.
Popularly known as Paul Shah, he is a celebrated movie star in Nepal.
A woman had alleged the popular actor had entered a sexual relationship with her when she was just 16 years old.
This subsequently led to the arrest of Mr Shah.
His case is pending in several courts across the country.
Keshav Sthapit, a high-profile politician, also has been accused of sexual harassment by two women.
When asked about these accusations, he responded, "Anyone can say anything in the media".
His comment that he could easily brand the questioner a prostitute if he wished drew colossal criticism.
However, human rights advocates in Nepal continue to argue that cases filed merely for prejudice are sporadic.
They also opine that the statute of limitations is doing nothing but obstructing justice for actual victims.
Scarred for life
Ms Regmi spoke of her mental state preventing her from seeking justice earlier.
"Even if a guy passed by me or happened to touch me, I used to be numb and freeze," she said, showcasing her mental state in the intervening years.
"Back then, I used to think it was my fault. These were very dark years for me, and I ran away from it constantly, seeking escape in weed and other things. I have panic attacks; I have constant anxiety."
Last month, following mounting pressure from campaigners and the protesting public, the Women and Social Affairs Committee of the lower house in Nepal ordered the government to immediately prepare a bill to remove the statute of limitations to report on sexual violence/abuse cases and rape.
