NHRC Launches Investigation Into Dewanganj Incident
Dragon Media News Desk
The National Human Rights Commission has launched an investigation into the clash between two communities in Dewanganj Rural Municipality–3, Kaptanganj, Sunsari, in which a young man was killed after security personnel opened fire.
In a statement, the commission said a team from its Koshi Province Office had begun preliminary monitoring of the incident. The team is collecting information from the chief district officer, the Sunsari district police chief, hospital administrations, local residents and other stakeholders.
According to the commission, the dispute began several days earlier over the placement of a flag on a solar light pole installed by the rural municipality. Preliminary monitoring indicated that the tension escalated on Sunday night during a dispute over loud DJ music, eventually leading to vandalism and clashes.
The commission said 24-year-old Om Prakash Mehta of Dewanganj was killed after being struck by a bullet fired by security personnel while they were attempting to bring the situation under control.
Nine other people sustained gunshot injuries, two of whom are reported to be in critical condition.
The injured are receiving treatment at Neuro Hospital, Birat Nursing Home and Nobel Medical College in Biratnagar. The commission’s team is also gathering information about their condition, medical treatment and the circumstances in which force was used.
The commission said it would further investigate the actual causes of the incident, the crowd-control measures adopted by security agencies, whether the use of live ammunition was necessary and the resulting human casualties.
It urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid activities that could undermine religious and communal harmony, resolve disputes through dialogue and cooperate in maintaining peace and security.
The commission also called on the authorities to conduct an impartial investigation, take legal action against those responsible, ensure effective treatment for the injured, and provide appropriate relief and justice to the victim’s family.
