What Did Ganesh Nepali’s Family Agree With Government?

The family of Ganesh Nepali, who died during treatment following a self-immolation attempt, has agreed to receive his body after reaching a nine-point agreement with the government.

The understanding covers an independent investigation into the incident, the immediate suspension of Kathmandu Metropolitan City police personnel deployed at the scene, financial relief for the family and long-term support for Nepali’s wife and daughter.

His body, currently at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, will be handed over to the family after the required legal procedures are completed. Kathmandu Metropolitan City will manage the post-mortem arrangements, funeral and the rites to be held in Kathmandu.

The agreement ends a dispute that had continued for several days, with the family refusing to receive the body until there was a credible commitment to investigate the death and address the future of those who depended on him.

It also moves the matter beyond funeral arrangements. The conduct of municipal police will now come under formal scrutiny, while the commitments on employment, education, health insurance and relief place responsibility on both the government and Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Nepali was originally from Jamaldhara in Soru Rural Municipality-6 of Mugu. He had recently been living in Kamalbinayak, Bhaktapur.

He attempted self-immolation on Thursday and died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment at Bir Hospital. After his death, family members and relatives demanded an impartial investigation and long-term relief, refusing to take custody of the body.

Nine commitments made to the family

• An independent investigation committee will be formed under the leadership of a former judge to establish the facts and conduct an impartial inquiry. The committee will submit its report to the government within seven days of its formation.
• The government will begin the required decision-making process on declaring Ganesh Nepali a martyr. The decision will be based on existing law, past practice and the findings and recommendations of the investigation committee.
• The Kathmandu District Administration Office will write to Kathmandu Metropolitan City seeking the immediate suspension of municipal police personnel who were deployed on the front line at the scene. Any further action against them will be based on the investigation committee’s report and recommendations.
• Kathmandu Metropolitan City will ensure employment for Nepali’s wife according to her qualifications and capacity, subject to a decision by its upcoming executive meeting. The metropolitan city will also cover the full cost of his daughter’s education through higher studies. Relevant government agencies will provide the necessary coordination.
• The metropolitan executive will decide on an appropriate relief amount for the family members who were financially dependent on Nepali.
• Kathmandu Metropolitan City will make all necessary arrangements for the funeral and for the rites to be conducted in Kathmandu.
• The family and relatives will receive the body. They will cooperate with the post-mortem and other legal procedures and take responsibility for carrying out the final rites.
• The metropolitan city will cover the travel expenses of Nepali’s immediate family members coming to and from Kathmandu. It will also bear their accommodation and other necessary expenses during the mourning period in the capital.
• The concerned government agencies will make arrangements for health insurance for Nepali’s immediate family members.

Agreement reached after repeated talks

Earlier rounds of negotiations between the government and the family had failed to produce an agreement.

A meeting held at the Kathmandu District Administration Office continued until late Saturday but ended without a settlement. Talks resumed on Sunday afternoon, when both sides finally reached an understanding.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung also reached the District Administration Office during the agreement process.

Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwaraj Paudel and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain signed the document on behalf of the government side.

Nepali’s wife, Ekamaya Nepali, his father Chine Nepali, mother Sauri Nepali and elder brother Madan Nepali were among the 13 people who signed on behalf of the family.