Family blames delayed response for deadly Sunsari violence

A high-level committee dispatched by Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs has begun investigating the fatal violence that erupted in Dewanganj, Sunsari. The inquiry focuses on the events leading to the clashes, the circumstances of the death of Om Prakash Mehta, and the actions of security agencies during the incident.

The committee met with the victim's family, hearing their grievances and demands. Eyewitnesses and the family have consistently pointed to a delayed and ineffective response from local administration and security forces as the reason the violence escalated. They argue that prompt intervention could have prevented the casualties.

The victim's father, Kisan Dev Mehta, is demanding that his 30-year-old son, who ran a small business crucial to the family's income, be declared a national martyr. He also seeks adequate compensation for the family and the prosecution of those responsible for the violence. The family has refused to accept Om Prakash Mehta's body, which remains in the hospital morgue, delaying the post-mortem examination until their demands are met.

Om Prakash Mehta was reportedly killed by a bullet fired by the Armed Police Force during the clashes. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The committee is gathering evidence from the scene, witness accounts, and consultations with various stakeholders to compile a detailed report for the Home Ministry. The victim is survived by his parents, a brother, and a sister.

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