PM Balen Shah's Past Statements Resurfaces After Ganesh Nepali’s Death

Prime Minister Balen Shah is facing public questions after 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali of Mugu died during treatment at Bir Hospital following a self-immolation attempt near the Passport Department in Tripureshwar, with family members claiming the incident was linked to a dispute after city police placed a wheel lock on his motorcycle.

Nepali, a resident of Soru Rural Municipality-1 in Mugu, was receiving treatment at Bir Hospital after suffering severe burn injuries. He died during treatment on Friday.

Family Links Incident To Wheel Lock Dispute

Family members have claimed that the incident happened after a dispute related to a wheel lock placed on Nepali’s motorcycle by city police near the Passport Department area.

Authorities have not yet released a full official investigation report on the circumstances that led to the incident.

Balen’s Earlier Statement Recalled

After Nepali’s death, many social media users recalled Balen Shah’s earlier remarks during the Prem Prasad Acharya self-immolation case.

At that time, while serving as Kathmandu mayor, Balen had written that if a citizen is forced to self-immolate, it shows the extreme failure of the state.

Now, with Balen leading the government, people are questioning whether the same standard will be applied in Ganesh Nepali’s case.

Public Calls For Accountability

Many people on social media have demanded a serious investigation into the incident. They have also called on the government to take responsibility and ensure that citizens facing economic hardship, public service pressure or local enforcement disputes do not feel abandoned by the state.

The case has also raised wider concerns about how government offices, local enforcement bodies and public service systems deal with poor and struggling citizens.

Government Response Awaited

The Home Ministry has already held emergency discussions following Nepali’s death, while Home Minister Sudan Gurung was preparing to visit Bir Hospital.

Further official details from the government, police and concerned authorities are awaited.