Doctor accused in minor’s egg retrieval case released after questioning

Dr. Nutan Sharma, accused of retrieving eggs from a minor in exchange for payment, has been questioned by authorities in Lalitpur, Nepal, and released. She appeared before police and prosecutors on August 6, providing a statement before her release on a personal recognizance bond. An assistant government attorney noted that police had not yet secured an arrest warrant, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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She came on her own with an application, so we recorded her statement and released her. The investigation has not been completed. Police are still carrying out the necessary investigative work.

Sharma reportedly told investigators she was unaware the 17-year-old girl was a minor. She stated that checking the girl's age and other details was the responsibility of other staff. Sharma also cited being in the Philippines as a reason for her delayed appearance before the police.

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I was in the Philippines and could not come to the police earlier.

The case surfaced when the 17-year-old girl suffered severe illness, including persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, and unconsciousness. Her family discovered she had undergone an egg retrieval procedure and subsequently filed a complaint. Initial medical tests were inconclusive, but an ultrasound revealed swollen ovaries and lung complications, leading to her hospitalization.

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I did not know the 17-year-old girl was a minor.

According to the family, a woman known to them offered the girl Rs30,000 for her eggs. The girl stated she was assured the procedure was harmless and underwent it on June 28 after receiving injections. Police are investigating the case under offenses related to human organ trafficking. Radhika Gotame, 21, who allegedly facilitated the transaction, was also initially arrested but later released on a personal recognizance bond.

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With deep sorrow, we once again announce the murder of six hostages. These six individuals were taken alive, endured the horrors of captivity, and were then coldly murdered.