A government-ordered investigation into the deaths of a father and daughter in Bardiya, who were allegedly driven to suicide after being denied citizenship-related services, has seen no visible progress.

The lack of action has left the victim’s family still waiting for justice.

A probe committee formed under instructions from then prime minister Sushila Karki, following media reports on the case, visited the site, recorded statements from local representatives and administrative officials, and submitted a 35-page report to the government in mid-December.

The report reportedly identified procedural lapses from the ward office up to the district administration in handling citizenship-related requests of 22-year-old Anju Tharu.

However, despite the findings, no disciplinary or legal action has been initiated against those named or implicated, according to the victim’s family and residents, who say the delay has deepened frustration and suspicion of institutional protection.

The family’s grievance centres on the deaths of Anju Tharu of ward 4, Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality, and her father, 61-year-old Kanchha Tharu, who died by suicide within days of each other in late November. Relatives say Anju had spent years trying to secure citizenship documents and legal recognition for her daughter, which also affected her ability to access court-ordered property rights.

Following her death, her father also took his own life, leaving behind Anju’s seven-year-old daughter, Anita Tharu, who is now living with maternal relatives.

Anju’s case had earlier moved through the Bardiya District Court, which in November 2022 ordered the division of property in her and her daughter’s favour. Despite the ruling, she was unable to benefit from it as she lacked citizenship documents and her daughter’s birth registration, both repeatedly delayed by administrative offices.

The court had also ordered a DNA test in earlier proceedings after paternity disputes, but it was never completed as the husband, Anil Tharu, failed to appear.

Officials at the ward office and district administration maintain that procedural requirements were not fully met for issuing citizenship and birth registration documents.

According to family members, Anju made repeated visits to the ward office and other government agencies over several years, often carrying court documents that supported her claim to property rights. Her efforts were repeatedly blocked by procedural hurdles and changing administrative requirements.

An investigation committee was later formed under the Home Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Surendra Panta, with officials from the ministry and Bardiya district administration. The committee visited the site, held consultations with the victim’s family, ward representatives and administrative officials, and prepared its report before submitting it to the government.

Despite the submission, the Ministry of Home Affairs has not made public any follow-up decisions, and district officials say they have not received instructions on enforcement or disciplinary measures.

Chief District Officer Gogan Bahadur Hamal said he had not received any directive or report from the ministry regarding action against those implicated. He also noted that unresolved property-related issues across generations of the family had further complicated administrative processes linked to the case.

Anil Tharu, Anju’s husband, has been charged with abetment of suicide and is currently in custody awaiting trial after a court ordered judicial detention. Police say he was earlier absconding and remains under search in connection with allegations linked to Anju’s death.

After Anju’s death, her daughter’s birth registration was eventually processed, but questions remain over inheritance rights and legal guardianship. The child is now staying at her maternal uncle’s home.

The case has drawn attention from rights activists who argue it highlights the consequences of bureaucratic rigidity in citizenship and civil registration processes, particularly for women in informal or disputed marital situations.

According to legal experts cited in earlier proceedings, citizenship and civil identity documents are essential for accessing court-awarded rights, including property claims. In Anju’s case, lack of documentation effectively blocked the enforcement of the court order in her favour.

The investigation committee’s report reportedly acknowledged lapses at multiple levels, including the ward office and district administration, in handling citizenship and registration requests. However, the absence of follow-up action has left the findings without enforcement.

For Anju’s family, the lack of accountability has compounded their loss. “We had hope when the investigation team came. We thought justice would follow,” a family member said. “But nothing has happened.”