Nepalese woman, 25, found dead in Japan river with multiple head injuries, bloodstains found in her flat

On August 19, 2023, the Japanese police in Fukuoka began an investigation following the discovery of a 25-year-old Nepalese woman's body in the Nakagawa river. The victim, identified as Rajbanshi Laxmi, had arrived in Japan in May 2023. According to Japanese media reports, she was found to have sustained multiple head injuries and suffered from bloodstains and signs of struggle in her apartment, leading investigators to conclude that she was a homicide victim.

Although an autopsy could not determine the exact cause of death, Laxmi was discovered to have multiple injuries to her head and forehead, which appeared to have been inflicted by an object.

Laxmi had been working part-time while attending a Japanese language school. A classmate of hers expressed sadness over her death and noted that she was skilled at creating TikToks. Laxmi was last seen on August 18 at approximately 10:30 PM by a co-worker who observed her departing her restaurant job on a bicycle, according to Japan Today.

Her body was discovered at around 5:45 AM the following morning, floating face down in the river. Laxmi was wearing a shirt and shorts but was found without shoes. No personal belongings were found near her body. A local resident reported hearing a significant impact in the river. Authorities believe the perpetrator had attacked Laxmi with the intent to kill, and the investigation is ongoing. Laxmi's apartment revealed no indications of a break-in or disturbance.