By Gokarna Dayal, Kathmandu, Mar. 25: The police have informed that the DNA of the accused in Bhagrathi murder case that took place a month ago in Baitadi has matched with the DNA found in Bhagrathi Bhatta's vaginal swab.

DSP Narayan Prasad Adhikari, chief of District Police Office, Baitadi, said, "As per the forensic report provided by National Forensic Science Laboratory, the DNA found in Bhagrathi's vaginal swab has matched with accused Dinesh Bhatta."

DSP Adhikari added that the investigation of the case would now move forward in an easy way. "This is the strongest evidence to this case. The forensic report has proved that our investigation was not done poorly," he added.

Meanwhile, the accused's family, by organising a press meet, have claimed that Dinesh was innocent and an official of the Rural Municipality was involved in Bhagrathi's rape and murder.  However, DSP Adhikari said, "As the case is sub-judice in the court, we are not able to comment on this."

Bhagrathi Bhatta, 17, of Dogdakedar Rural Municipality-7 was found dead on February 3 at Ladalek Jungle. The preliminary investigation report had revealed that she was raped and murdered.

After a 13-day long investigation, Dinesh Bhatta of the same village was arrested by the police for his alleged involvement in Bhagrathi's rape and murder.

Dinesh Bhatta is currently placed at a child correctional home in Doti.