KATHMANDU, July 31: The funeral of two youths killed in the Dewanganj police shooting in Sunsari remains uncertain after their families refused to accept the bodies despite reaching a formal agreement with the government.
A late-night meeting on Thursday, attended by Home Minister Sudan Gurung, ended with the government agreeing to address the victims’ demands and signing a written agreement. Although the families were expected to receive the bodies and proceed with the funeral on Friday, they returned without taking them following continued opposition from local residents.
Sunsari shooting: Victims’ bodies handed over to families after...
The bodies of Om Prakash Mehta and Jay Prakash Mehta remain at the mortuary of Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar, and post-mortem procedures have yet to begin.
Sunsari Chief District Officer Ishwori Prasad Aryal acknowledged delays in handing over the bodies and said discussions with the victims’ families, local community and other stakeholders are ongoing to resolve the impasse.
According to local sources, a section of the community insists that the government must first reach a similar agreement with the family of Ganesh Yadav, who was killed in a police shooting in Golbazar, Siraha, before accepting the bodies of the Dewanganj victims.
Under the agreement, the government has pledged to initiate the process of declaring both victims as martyrs, provide Rs 1 million in compensation to each bereaved family, take legal action against those found responsible, offer employment to one eligible family member from each household, implement the findings of the investigation committee, and construct a memorial park in honor of the deceased.
