Government Forms Five-Member Committee To Investigate Deadly Sunsari Incident

The government has formed a five-member committee to investigate the deadly incident in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality–3 of Sunsari.

The committee, formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, will be led by Joint Secretary Bhupendra Thapa. It has been directed to investigate the incident and submit its report within one week.

The decision was taken following a high-level discussion between Home Minister Sudan Gurung and the chiefs of Nepal’s security agencies.

One Person Killed During Police Action

The incident occurred after a dispute between two groups in Kaptanganj escalated and security personnel were deployed to bring the situation under control.

One person died after being hit by a bullet fired during the police response.

Following the death and continued tension in the area, the local administration issued a curfew order to prevent further violence and maintain public security.

Committee To Examine How Violence Escalated

The investigation committee is expected to establish the sequence of events that led to the confrontation and the fatal shooting.

It is likely to examine:

• How the original dispute began

• Which individuals or groups were involved

• How the situation escalated into violence

• Why police opened fire

• Whether proper crowd-control procedures were followed

• The circumstances surrounding the death

• Whether security or administrative failures contributed to the incident

• Measures needed to prevent similar violence in the future

The names of the committee’s four other members were not included in the initial announcement.

Home Minister Holds Meeting With Security Chiefs

Home Minister Sudan Gurung held a meeting at the ministry with senior security officials after the incident.

Those present included:

• Nepal Police Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki

• Armed Police Force Inspector General Narayan Dutta Poudel

• Senior officials from the Home Ministry and security agencies

The five-member investigation committee was formed following the discussion.

Central Security Committee Meeting Called

A meeting of the Central Security Committee has also been called for 5 pm on Monday to discuss the situation in Sunsari.

The meeting is expected to review:

• The latest security situation

• Curfew enforcement

• Deployment of security personnel

• Risks of further confrontation

• Coordination between security agencies

• Steps needed to restore peace in the affected area

Further security decisions could be taken after the committee reviews reports from local officials and security agencies.

Curfew Imposed In The Affected Area

The local administration imposed a curfew after the death increased tensions in and around Kaptanganj.

Movement and public gatherings have been restricted in areas covered by the order. Security personnel have also been deployed to prevent another confrontation between the groups.

Residents are expected to follow the administration’s instructions until the curfew is relaxed or lifted.

Police Shooting To Be Closely Investigated

A major focus of the investigation will be the use of firearms by police.

The committee will need to determine whether security personnel had exhausted other crowd-control measures before opening fire and whether the use of force was proportional to the threat they faced.

Investigators may also examine:

• Whether warnings were issued before firing

• Who authorised the use of firearms

• Which security unit fired the fatal shot

• How many rounds were discharged

• Whether the victim was involved in the confrontation

• How quickly medical assistance was provided

A transparent investigation will be important to establish responsibility and maintain public trust.

Authorities Face Pressure To Restore Calm

The incident has raised concerns that a local dispute could create wider tension if rumours and unverified claims continue to spread.

Authorities are expected to work with local representatives and community leaders to restore communication between the affected groups.

The government will also face pressure to publish the committee’s findings and take action against anyone found responsible for provoking violence or using excessive force.