KATHMANDU, JULY 12
The government, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) and the family of Ganesh Nepali, who died while undergoing treatment at the Burn Unit of Bir Hospital, have signed a nine-point agreement following nearly 24 hours of negotiations.
The agreement was signed on Sunday in the presence of Kathmandu Chief District Officer Ishwor Raj Paudel. It bears the signatures of CDO Paudel and KMC Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain on behalf of the government and metropolitan city, while Ganesh's wife, Ekmaya Nepali, other family members and 13 representatives of the victims' negotiation committee signed on behalf of the bereaved family.
Under the agreement, the government will form an independent probe committee led by a former judge to investigate the incident. The committee has been mandated to submit its report within seven days, and the government will initiate the process of declaring Ganesh Nepali a martyr based on the committee's findings and recommendations.
The agreement also states that personnel of the Metropolitan Police deployed at the incident site will be suspended pending the investigation, with further action to be taken in line with the probe committee's recommendations.
As part of the relief package, KMC has agreed to provide employment to the deceased's wife based on her qualifications and capabilities, bear the full cost of the couple's daughter's education up to higher education, and provide additional financial assistance through a forthcoming executive meeting.
The metropolitan city will also facilitate the funeral, handover of the body and post-mortem procedures, cover travel and accommodation expenses for the deceased's immediate family during their stay in Kathmandu, while the Ministry of Health and Food Safety will arrange health insurance for the family.
Ganesh Nepali, 25, of Soru Rural Municipality-1, Mugu, died on Asar 26 (July 10) while receiving treatment at Bir Hospital's Burn Unit. His death sparked protests demanding justice and compensation for the bereaved family.