Police question officers after burn victim dies

A ride-hailing driver died Friday from severe burns after setting himself on fire outside the Department of Passports in Kathmandu, sparking an investigation into the actions of municipal police.

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We are recording their statements to establish exactly what happened. They have not been detained.

Ganesh Nepali set himself ablaze on Thursday after municipal police fitted a wheel lock to his motorcycle for illegal parking. He was rushed to Bir Hospital, where doctors said he had suffered burns over about 55 percent of his body. He succumbed to his injuries Friday.

Police are questioning three municipal police personnel who were involved in fitting the wheel lock. "We are recording their statements to establish exactly what happened. They have not been detained," said Superintendent of Police Pawan Kumar Bhattarai. The identities of the three officers have not been disclosed.

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Our uncle's wife is still studying, and his daughter is very young. He was the family's sole breadwinner. The government must take responsibility for supporting his wife and daughter. We will not claim his body until the government provides support.

Meanwhile, Nepali's family has refused to accept his body, demanding that the government take responsibility for the welfare of his wife and young daughter. "He was the family's sole breadwinner," said his nephew, Man Nepali. "The government must take responsibility for supporting his wife and daughter. We will not claim his body until the government provides support." The family has also warned of protests if their demands are not met.

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If the government does not take responsibility, we will protest, whether at Maitighar or elsewhere.