A Dalit died in police custody. The state’s response is inadequate

The recent events surrounding the suspected custodial death of Shreekrishna Bishwakarma in Sindhupalchok district have cast a grim light on the persistent issues of caste discrimination and state apathy in Nepal. Bishwakarma, a young Dalit man, died in police custody shortly after marrying Nirjala Magar, an inter-caste union that allegedly drew ire from the bride's family. While the police have ruled the death a suicide, Bishwakarma's family, alongside Dalit activists and politicians, vehemently contest this, alleging foul play and demanding justice.

“

The police claim that it was a suicide, whereas the deceased’s family and Dalit activists allege that the police murdered him in custody, under the influence of the girl’s family.

This tragedy underscores a deeply troubling pattern: the state's inadequate response to the suffering of marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. The swift pressure on Bishwakarma's family to cremate the body, coupled with the authorities' initial lack of sensitivity, fuels suspicions of a cover-up. The demand for the dismissal of the Chief District Officer and police officers, and a thorough, unbiased investigation, is not merely a plea for accountability but a call to address systemic issues within the police force, which is often perceived as corrupt and casteist.

“

Given that state bodies, not least the police force, are both highly corrupt and casteist, their outrage is not unfounded.

The response, or rather the lack thereof, from the newly elected Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) government, led by Balendra Shah, is particularly concerning. Despite Shah's public image as an agitator for good governance, his administration has shown a striking silence on this matter. Even the Dalit minister, Sita Badi, has offered only a subdued response via social media, failing to provide the strong official reassurance the community desperately needs. This silence from the top, including the Home Affairs Ministry which Shah oversees, sends a disheartening message about the government's priorities and its commitment to addressing caste-based injustices.

“

This is evidence of Shah’s utter lack of accountability and, more importantly, of his zero interest in Dalit issues.

Furthermore, the situation also prompts a critical examination of the Dalit movement itself, with some arguing it has become superficial. The agitations by Dalit parliamentarians and activists, while necessary, must translate into concrete policy changes and sustained pressure on the government. The formation of a probe committee, largely composed of police officers, raises further questions about its impartiality. For Nepal to truly progress towards social justice and equality, such incidents must be met with transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to dismantling the deeply entrenched structures of caste discrimination.

“

All she has done is write something on her Facebook page, which is better than nothing, but an official statement is still absent.