Sankhuwasabha -In the wake of the suspicious deaths of two inmates while under the jurisdiction of the state within the district jail, a collective outcry from various quarters, including civil society groups, has called for a thorough investigation to ascertain the veracity of the incident and to hold those responsible accountable.
The demise of 19-year-old Binod Tolangi from Sankhuwasabha, Madi Municipality-5, and 28-year-old Akash Balami from Nuwakot, Kakani Rural Municipality-7, both of whom were serving prison sentences at the district jail, has prompted demands for an unbiased and comprehensive inquiry into the events that transpired on August 9, 2023.
On August 10, Lokdarshan Shakya, Chairperson of the Human Rights and Peace Society of Nepal, alongside Suraj Thatal, Joint Secretary, issued a statement strongly condemning custodial deaths as an affront to human rights. They advocated for an impartial and rigorous investigation into the incident and pressed for decisive action against those found responsible.
Concurring in sentiment, several organizations, including the Nepal Dalit Association, Mukti Samaj, Nepal Dalit Mukti Morcha, and Dalit Mukti Sangathan, released a collective statement on August 10. This statement underscored the urgent need for an unbiased inquiry and demanded accountability for any wrongdoing. The organizations also appealed to the government to provide appropriate support and compensation to the bereaved families.
Representatives of Dalit-affiliated groups further voiced their concerns by submitting a memorandum to Chief District Officer Shiv Kumar Karki on August 10. The memorandum articulated a demand for a meticulous investigation and subsequent punitive measures against the culpable parties. Chief District Officer Karki acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and assured that the investigative process would maintain its impartiality, asserting that an administrative committee was already engaged in the inquiry.
In light of the family’s refusal to claim the deceased’s remains on August 10, the body was entrusted to the district hospital’s mortuary for safekeeping.
Taking heed of the gravity of the situation, INSEC Koshi Provincial Office, situated in Biratnagar, has announced plans to conduct an on-site monitoring operation on August 11. This initiative underscores a commitment to assess the situation firsthand and ensure transparency in handling the incident.
