Sunsari man’s body remains at Kathmandu hospital for four days as family, government fail to reach deal

The body of 21-year-old Rabindra Kumar Mehta has been held at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu for four days, a grim testament to an unresolved dispute between his family and the government. Mehta died Tuesday while undergoing treatment for a gunshot wound sustained during recent violence in Kaptanganj, Sunsari.

“

Both sides had agreed to hold further discussions on Wednesday.

His condition had worsened after an initial surgery in Biratnagar for a severe thigh injury. Airlifted to Kathmandu, doctors amputated his leg due to spreading infection, but his health continued to decline. The family's grief is compounded by the government's refusal to release the body until an agreement is reached on compensation, martyr status, and the implementation of prior commitments.

“

the talks failed after the home minister insisted that decisions on compensation, relief and other demands would be taken only after the government-appointed investigation committee submits its report.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung held talks with the family, but negotiations faltered. The family insists on parity with compensation and recognition granted to families of Om Prakash Mehta and Jaya Prakash Mehta, who also died in the Kaptanganj incident. However, the Home Minister stated that decisions would only be made after an investigation committee submits its report. This impasse has left Mehta's body unclaimed, prolonging his family's anguish and delaying his final rites, while locals urge a swift resolution.

“

the family had demanded that the government implement the same commitments made with the families of Om Prakash Mehta and Jaya Prakash Mehta, who were killed in the Kaptanganj incident, including relief measures and recognition as martyrs.