Baglung Teen Murder: 17-Year-Old Student Allegedly Killed by Friends Over iPhone During Birthday Party

A Birthday Celebration That Ended in Tragedy

A birthday celebration in Nepal's Baglung district has turned into a heartbreaking murder investigation after a 17-year-old student was allegedly beaten to death by his own friends during a dispute over an iPhone.

The victim, Lajin Thapa, a resident of Badigad Rural Municipality–1, Baglung, had recently returned home from Kathmandu, where he was studying in Grade 11 at Saipal College in Dhumbarahi. What was meant to be a joyful evening celebrating a friend's birthday ended in a tragic incident that has shocked both the local community and people across the country.

How the Incident Happened

According to the District Police Office, Baglung, Lajin attended the birthday celebration of his friend Asim Ban on Shrawan 1. Police said seven friends gathered for the celebration and spent several hours together.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the group remained at Dagatumdanda Primary School until around 2:30 a.m., where they reportedly consumed alcohol.

As the group began returning home late at night, an argument broke out after some of the friends allegedly demanded Lajin's iPhone. Police say Lajin refused to hand over the phone, leading to a violent confrontation.

Superintendent of Police Phadindra Prasain said investigators believe the disagreement quickly escalated into a physical assault.

"It appears the dispute began after Lajin refused to give his iPhone to the others," SP Prasain said during the preliminary investigation.

Police Say Teen Was Beaten to Death

Police believe Lajin was repeatedly assaulted until he lost consciousness. According to investigators, the suspects realized he had died following the attack.

Instead of informing authorities or seeking medical assistance, police allege that the suspects carried his body to a location approximately 30 minutes away from the assault site and hid it near Mankhola Stream in an attempt to conceal the crime.

The body remained hidden for several days before it was eventually discovered by police.

Four Suspects Detained

Police have taken four individuals into custody in connection with the case:

• Rembahadur BK (20)

• Sudip BK (19)

• Asim Ban (16)

• Dadi Pariyar (15)

Authorities said all four are being questioned as the investigation continues.

Police also revealed that although seven people were present during the birthday celebration, some friends returned home earlier. Investigators believe Rembahadur BK and Dadi Pariyar allegedly followed Lajin to a more isolated area, where the fatal assault occurred.

The investigation has also found that a nine-year-old child was present during part of the birthday celebration before the incident unfolded.

Week-Long Search Ends with Grim Discovery

When Lajin failed to return home, his family and local residents became increasingly worried.

A large-scale search operation was launched involving:

• Technical investigation teams

• Trained sniffer dogs

• Drone surveillance

• Local police personnel

• Community volunteers

After nearly a week of searching, authorities discovered Lajin's body on Thursday near Mankhola Stream, bringing an end to the search but beginning a major criminal investigation.

Investigation Continues

The District Police Office has registered a case under charges related to causing a person's disappearance, while investigators continue collecting forensic evidence and witness statements.

Police officials have indicated that additional criminal charges, including homicide-related offences, may be added as the investigation progresses and forensic reports are completed.

Authorities are also examining the exact sequence of events, individual roles of each suspect, and whether alcohol played a significant role in the fatal assault.

Victim Was a Grade 11 Student

Lajin Thapa was studying Grade 11 at Saipal College in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, and had recently returned to his hometown during his school break.

Friends and relatives describe him as a young student with his future ahead of him. His death has left his family devastated and the local community mourning the loss of another young life.

Community in Shock

The incident has sparked widespread concern across Baglung, with many residents expressing disbelief that a disagreement among friends could end in such violence.

The case has also renewed discussions about:

• Youth violence

• Alcohol consumption among teenagers

• Peer pressure

• Responsible social behavior

• The importance of resolving conflicts peacefully

Local residents have called for strict legal action against those responsible and greater awareness to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Police Appeal

Police have urged the public not to spread rumors or misinformation while the investigation is ongoing.

Officials said further details will be released after forensic examinations and witness interviews are completed. Authorities have assured the victim's family that a thorough investigation is being carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding Lajin Thapa's death.

Conclusion

What began as a birthday celebration among friends has ended in one of Baglung's most disturbing recent criminal cases. The alleged murder of 17-year-old Lajin Thapa over a dispute involving an iPhone has shocked Nepal and highlighted how quickly violence can escalate when conflicts are fueled by alcohol and poor judgment.