The Kathmandu School of Law (KSL) alumni working group has rejected the investigation committee formed by the institution to examine allegations of sexual misconduct, bullying, harassment, and homophobia against its faculty members, including executive director Yubaraj Sangroula.

The alumni group has demanded the establishment of an external independent and impartial investigative body by Friday and has outlined demands for the composition of a new investigation committee.

They say the committee members must be selected through a transparent process, ensuring that they have no ties to Sangroula.

They further demand the committee needs to include representatives from state monitoring bodies such as the National Human Rights Commission and the National Women’s Commission. Additionally, a member of the KSL alumni should be included in consultation with the KSL Alumni Working Group.

For a victim centric and holistic approach, the committee ought to have a mental health expert with expertise in trauma affecting women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and marginalised groups, the groups says.

The investigation should be comprehensive, covering all reported cases of harassment and discrimination, not just a “single incident”, it further demands.

The alumni group has pressed for the immediate suspension of Sangroula and other alleged from their positions at KSL until the investigation concludes.

They have also called for a ban on public or private statements—including social media posts, phone calls, text messages, or interviews—by Sangroula and others accused, to prevent them from influencing the investigation.

Moreover, as several alumni have reportedly received threats, the group has stressed the need for strict measures to prevent threats, intimidation, or pressure on victims and whistleblowers, including contacting their family members.

The final report of the investigation must be made public to ensure transparency and accountability, says the statement.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the alumni group has advocated for structural reforms at KSL to address the long-standing culture of harassment and discrimination.

They have emphasised the need to establish a permanent independent grievance mechanism for students and staff, implement mandatory gender sensitivity and anti-harassment training for faculty and administrative staff, and introduce a transparent system for students to provide feedback on faculty conduct.

They have also urged KSL to review its policies on harassment and discrimination to align them with national laws and international best practices and take legal action against those who have actively silenced victims or obstructed justice.

The alumni statement criticises KSL for its failure to acknowledge the severity of the allegations. “We are saddened to see that there has been no institutional apology and display of remorse or reflection,” the statement reads.

The group has also condemned continued intimidation tactics.

“Old tactics of threat from authority to suppress facts by contacting guardians of whistleblowers continue to guide the value system of KSL management,” said one of the members of the alumni working group. “We are raising our voice for the protection of current and future students.”

In response to Sangroula’s statements in various interviews—wherein he has claimed that the allegations and the alumni’s actions were attempts to damage his and KSL’s reputation—the alumni have clarified their stance.

They have said that their efforts are focused on protecting KSL’s integrity and ensuring justice for victims.

“We see KSL as an institution that is larger than a few individuals who hold power within it,” the statement reads. “We believe this investigation will set a precedent for future inquiries, not just at KSL but across institutions in Nepal, helping to uphold the democratic values enshrined in our constitution.”