Kathmandu, Shrawan 11. Rastriya Ekta Dal has stated that its serious attention has been drawn to the violent incident that occurred in Kaptanganj, Dewanganj Rural Municipality-3 of Sunsari on the occasion of the Monday of Shrawan. The party has demanded that the government conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, provide appropriate compensation to the family of the deceased, and arrange free treatment for the injured.
In a press release issued on Monday by the party's Central President Vinay Yadav, it was mentioned that the incident inside the temple premises during preparations for the Bolbam pilgrimage had a serious impact on religious tolerance and social harmony. Strongly condemning the act, the statement claimed that religious flags were torn within the temple premises and devotees were attacked.
According to the party, 24-year-old Omprakash Mehta died after being shot by police during the incident, while other locals including Mithlesh Yadav, Amlesh Mehta, Mithlesh Mehta, Amit Kumar Yadav, Ravindra Mehta, and Sunil Kumar Mehta were injured. The release also noted that power supply was interrupted for about an hour during the incident and excessive force was used during crowd control, demanding an impartial inquiry into those matters as well.
Rastriya Ekta Dal expressed dissatisfaction that some media outlets prioritized only the DJ (sound) related issue rather than the overall background of the incident. The party urged the media to disseminate fact-based, balanced, and impartial news.
The party demanded that the government provide appropriate compensation to the family of the deceased Omprakash Mehta, bear all medical expenses for the injured through the state, form a high-level judicial inquiry committee, and take legal action against those involved in the incident. Furthermore, the government has been urged to guarantee religious freedom, the safe practice of religious traditions, and the security of religious sites and devotees.
At the end of the statement, Rastriya Ekta Dal called upon all parties to exercise restraint, maintain social harmony and peace, and assist in ensuring justice through legal and democratic processes.
