Bhaktapur murder case raises discussions about mental health

Milan Acharya, a resident of Balakot, Bhaktapur, has surrendered to the police after the brutal killing of his father and younger brother. The tragic incident shook the community when the bodies of 56-year-old Kul Prasad Acharya and his younger son, Pravin, were discovered on Monday morning. Milan, the eldest son, turned himself in at the Maharajgunj police station on Tuesday at 10 a.m., confessing to the double murder. He cited extreme stress and depression as the driving factors behind his actions.

Kul Prasad, originally from Rupakot, Majuwagadhi-1, Khotang, was serving as the acting chief of the District Post Office in Khotang. He had arrived in Bhaktapur six days earlier for work. Milan, 26, had been preparing for the Public Service Commission (PSC) exams, while his younger brother Pravin, 22, was pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree at VS Niketan.

The Acharya family lived in a modest ground-floor flat of a three-and-a-half-story building. Neighbors described them as a quiet family who largely kept to themselves. However, the weekend saw a horrifying turn of events that shattered their peace.

According to the police investigation, Milan had dinner with his father and brother on Saturday night, which he had prepared himself. After dinner, Kul Prasad spoke to Milan about societal expectations . “It’s time to get married, yet you haven’t settled down,” Kul Prasad allegedly told Milan. These words, intended as guidance, left a profound impact on Milan.

According to Milan’s statement to the police, he couldn’t sleep that night. “My father’s words shocked me deeply. He made me feel like a failure, and on top of that, the community was talking about me.” 

After spending the evening chatting, the family retired to their respective rooms. In his confession, Milan revealed that early Sunday morning, around 5:30 a.m., he struck his sleeping father on the head with a hammer. He then went to his brother’s room and, overwhelmed by his mental state, decided to kill him as well, though he insisted there had been no prior quarrel.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dhundiraj Neupane, spokesperson for the Bhaktapur District Police Range, said the victims were found with severe injuries to their heads and ears. The rooms had been locked from the outside, leading investigators to suspect premeditation.

Milan explained that his repeated failures in the PSC exams had plunged him into severe depression. He believed that his inability to meet expectations burdened his family, and killing them would relieve their stress. After committing the murders, Milan locked the rooms and fled to Biruwa, Bhaktapur.

Milan also admitted to the police that he intended to end his own life. He allegedly ventured into a forest in Biruwa and attempted to hang himself using a muffler, but the attempt failed as the muffler broke, leaving him with neck injuries. Believing this to be a sign that “God didn’t want him to die,” Milan returned and checked into a hotel in Chabahil.

Milan spent the next two days in hiding, watching news reports about the crime. Consumed by guilt and remorse, he decided to surrender. On Tuesday morning, he walked into the Maharajgunj police station and confessed to the murders, providing detailed accounts of his actions and motives.

The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, along with Thimi Police, corroborated Milan’s confession with evidence from the crime scene, including the hammer used in the murders. DSP Anil Ghimire confirmed that the evidence matched Milan’s statements.

Milan had reportedly attempted the PSC exams six times for positions such as Nasu (subordinate officer) and Khardar (assistant officer) but failed each time. The pressure to succeed and fulfill his family’s expectations had taken a devastating toll on his mental health.

The tragedy has left the local community in shock. Neighbors described the Acharya family as respectable and hardworking. “This incident highlights how societal pressure and a lack of mental health awareness can push individuals to the edge,” a neighbor remarked anonymously.

On Sunday morning, neighbors noticed the family’s rooms were locked from the outside but did not raise alarms. It wasn’t until Monday, when relatives and neighbors failed to contact the family, that the police were alerted. Upon breaking into the rooms, police found the bodies of Kul Prasad and Pravin, their head wounds indicating they had likely been killed on Saturday night.

The incident has sparked discussions about the urgent need for mental health awareness and support in Nepal. Dr. Sunita Sharma, a psychologist, emphasized, “Mental health issues like depression often go unnoticed, especially among young men, who are expected to be resilient. Recognizing early signs of distress and providing timely intervention is crucial.”

DSP Neupane explained that Milan seemed overwhelmed by the weight of his father’s words and societal expectations. “He has stated that his father’s remarks, combined with the pressure of community judgment, pushed him over the edge,” Neupane said.

Milan is currently in police custody as the investigation continues. Forensic analyses are underway to build a comprehensive case. Given the severity of the crime, Milan is likely to face charges of double homicide, which could result in a life sentence if convicted.

As the community mourns the loss of two lives, there is a growing call for systemic change. Experts urge educational institutions and workplaces to prioritize mental health resources. Families are encouraged to foster open communication to support members in distress and prevent such tragedies in the future.