Kathmandu, 22 Nov: Seventeen-year-old “Kalpana” (name changed) was shocked when she discovered unusual Instagram messages on her younger sister’s phone. A woman was discussing egg selling with her 17-year-old sister, a Grade 11 student in a private college in Kathmandu. Soon, the family learned that the teenager had secretly sold her eggs. How she got involved, where it happened, and why she agreed became urgent questions for the family.
Lured Through Instagram and Trapped by Agents
The teenager and her friend, both minors, were contacted on Instagram by a woman named Justina Pradhan. She visited colleges, built trust, and then tempted the girls with money. “It’s just an injection; you get 10–15 thousand rupees,” she told them, adding that she had sold her own eggs.
Justina took the girls to Hope Fertility & Diagnostic Clinic in Babarmahal, where health tests—including X-ray, ECG, and blood tests—were done without parental consent. Clinic staff even provided transport money. When one girl experienced side effects and tried to withdraw, she was threatened: “You’ve taken the money. Do as told.”
The clinic staff filled out medical forms using fake names and inflated ages. Eventually, both girls were sedated, and their eggs were surgically extracted.
Family Uncovers the Network and Faces Threats
When the girls confessed, their families were shocked and began searching for the egg-trading network. Using the teenager’s help, they tracked down Justina at Chucchepati. She admitted she was only a middle agent and pointed to higher-level agents connected to Hope Clinic.
One male agent revealed he earned Rs 45,000 per girl, while Justina received Rs 25,000. The girls were given small amounts—Rs 10,000 and 15,000.
When the family confronted the clinic, they were threatened. Hope Fertility’s partner and current Attorney General, Sabita Bhandari, was present. She reportedly said, “My power reaches high places. Go wherever you want.” She objected when asked how she would react if this happened to her own daughter.
Investigation Blocked, Justice Denied
The family filed a complaint with the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB). After weeks of investigation, CIB recommended charges under the Children’s Act, which defines removing organs or using minors for medical procedures as violence against children.
However, despite evidence, the Attorney General’s Office—led by Bhandari, who holds 46,000 shares in Hope Clinic and whose daughter and relatives work there—decided not to prosecute. Families allege abuse of power.
Determined, the girl’s father says they plan to approach the Supreme Court: “If we don’t fight, this illegal egg trade will grow. Those who exploit minors must be punished.”
