KATHMANDU: Speaking at Friday’s House of Representatives meeting regarding the death of 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali, who attempted self-immolation outside the Passport Department on Thursday, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung deflected opposition criticism by pointing to local government jurisdiction.

While the briefing briefly turned emotional with tears from the minister and lawmakers of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Gurung firmly countered opposition questions regarding federal accountability.

He claimed the federal administration worked through the night at Bir Hospital to facilitate medical care and considered sending Nepali to India, which was ultimately advised against by doctors.

Addressing the vehicle wheel-lock that allegedly triggered the incident, Gurung argued that the action was taken by municipal police rather than traffic police, questioning why opposition parties were blaming the federal government when they head the local and provincial tiers responsible for enforcing those specific regulations.