Two teenage girls, Saraswati Khadka (15) and Ishara Khadka (14), were found dead in the Sunghar Community Forest of Dhakari Rural Municipality-1, Achham, on Saturday evening.

Both had been missing since Friday, and their deaths are being treated as suspicious.

The two girls had gone to check on the goats but did not return.

Their bodies were discovered with severe head injuries, raising suspicions of foul play. Family members have claimed they were murdered, and police have launched an investigation.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ishwori Prasad Bhandari from the District Police Office, along with Chief District Officer Shiva Prasad Lamsal, visited the scene to assess the situation.

“The incident is mysterious, and we are investigating it thoroughly,” DSP Bhandari said, adding that the exact cause of death will be determined after the postmortem.

Although a postmortem facility is available in Achham, the bodies were sent to Nepalgunj due to the serious nature of the incident. Police also used trained dogs during the investigation.

The bodies were found in separate locations in the forest, with deep injuries on the heads and other parts of the victims. Police discovered a dead bull at the scene, seemingly placed there to mask any suspicious odors and mislead investigators.

Two youths have been arrested as suspects in connection with the case, but their identities are being kept confidential as the investigation continues. Authorities have assured that a detailed report will follow once more evidence is uncovered.