A high-level committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to investigate the deadly violence in Dewanganj, Sunsari, on Wednesday met the family of the man killed in the incident and began collecting testimony as part of its inquiry.

The five-member panel, led by a joint secretary at the Home Ministry, visited the victim's home to gather details about the sequence of events, the circumstances leading to the violence and the role played by security agencies during the incident.

Committee members also heard the family's grievances, demands and recommendations before inspecting the scene of the violence, including the location where shots were fired. The team also spoke with eyewitnesses, local residents and other stakeholders.

On Tuesday, the committee visited hospitals treating those injured in the clashes and received briefings from district security officials on the overall security situation.

The Home Ministry constituted the panel after clashes between two groups in Dewanganj left one man dead and 22 others, including security personnel, injured.

The victim's family and eyewitnesses have consistently alleged that the violence escalated because the local administration and security agencies failed to intervene effectively or facilitate dialogue at an early stage. They argue that timely coordination and preventive measures could have averted the death and injuries.

The victim's father, Kisan Dev Mehta, demanded that his son, Om Prakash Mehta, be declared a national martyr, that the family receive adequate compensation, and that those responsible be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He also urged the government to prevent activities that spread fear and communal tension.

Kisan Dev said his 30-year-old son ran a small plastic sack manufacturing business from their home, which was the family's primary source of income. His death, he said, has left the family without financial support.

Om Prakash is survived by his parents, a younger brother and a married sister. His brother, Manoj Mehta, had been working in Malaysia and returned to Nepal on Tuesday after learning of the incident.

Committee coordinator Bhupendra Thapa said the panel would prepare a detailed report based on evidence collected from the scene, witness accounts and consultations with stakeholders before submitting it to the Home Ministry.

Om Prakash was killed after being struck by a bullet fired by the Armed Police Force during the clashes, according to hospital officials. They said the bullet entered through his left armpit. Although he was rushed to Neuro Hospital in Biratnagar for treatment, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

His body has remained in the hospital morgue for the past three days after the family refused to accept it until their demands are met. As a result, the post-mortem examination has also been delayed.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Chandra Bahadur Khadka, Sunsari Police spokesperson, said authorities remain in regular contact with the family and that the post-mortem would be conducted once an agreement is reached.

Meanwhile, civil society groups organised a peace rally in Itahari on Wednesday, saying the Dewanganj violence had damaged religious and social harmony.

The march, organised by Nagarik Samaj Itahari, began at the city's main intersection, passed through the market area and concluded with a public gathering.

Addressing the rally, former minister Ram Kumar Subba called on all communities to remain committed to preserving religious and social harmony.