Uma Singh was attacked at her apartment on Sunday night in Janakpur, about 240 kilometres southeast of the Nepalese capital Katmandu. She died from wounds after being hacked with sharp objects, government administrator Shambhu Koirala said.

Police were investigating but no arrests had been made, Mr Koirala said.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists, the umbrella body of media rights groups in Nepal, condemned the attack and said a team was being sent to probe the killing.

Singh often reported on women's rights issues in the area bordering India and campaigned against the dowry system where a bride's parents are forced to give cash, jewelry and expensive gifts to the groom at the time of wedding. -- AP