The Home Ministry has formed a committee to investigate the deaths of a father and daughter in Bardiya who reportedly took their own lives after years of being denied citizenship due to administrative hurdles. The move has revived renewed hope for justice among the grieving family.

The committee under the leadership of joint-secretary Suresh Panthi, chief of the ministry’s policy, planning, monitoring and evaluation division, has been tasked to conduct a fair and comprehensive inquiry and submit its findings within five days.

The probe committee has under-secretary Kulsekhar Aryal and one additional official as its members.

The ministry's decision follows widespread concern after Kantipur published a report on the incident, prompting Prime Minister Sushila Karki to express her attention to the case. She then directed Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal to seek a factual report. Acting on those directives, the ministry made a secretary-level decision on Sunday to form the committee.

For the victims’ family in Dakshin Bhakari, ward 4 of Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality, the announcement has brought a glimmer of hope after a month of silence and despair.

Phulani Tharu, who lost both her 22-year-old daughter Anju Tharu and husband Kanchha Tharu within four days, said she had feared the tragedy would be forgotten.

“Nearly a month had passed since the incident, but the authorities concerned showed little interest. I was afraid our case would be buried,” she said. “Now that the matter has reached the prime minister, I believe we will get justice.”

Anju’s elder brother Arun Tharu said repeated attempts to secure his sister’s citizenship and his niece’s birth registration were ignored by officials, pushing the family into crisis.

“My sister ended her life because she was never given an identity. Seven-year-old Anita still has no birth certificate, and all her responsibility has fallen on us,” he said. “The authorities must ensure her registration and the rights she is entitled to.”

He expressed confidence that the probe team would finally uncover the truth: “We believe the committee formed by the Home Ministry will carry out a proper investigation and deliver justice.”