Nepal's Transport Sector Demands Judicial Probe into Driver's Self-Immolation, Threatens Widespread Protests

In a significant development that underscores growing social and economic tensions, six prominent federations and unions representing Nepal's vital transport sector have collectively demanded the formation of a judicial inquiry committee. This committee is sought to thoroughly investigate the tragic self-immolation of a bus driver in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, an incident that has sent shockwaves across the nation and ignited calls for justice and reform.

The joint statement, issued by the Nepal Truck Transport Entrepreneurs Federation, Nepal National Transport Federation, Nepal Transport Independent Workers' Organization, Public Transport Central Federation, All Nepal Transport Workers' Union, and Nepal Transport Workers' Union, emphasizes that the incident should not be dismissed as a mere dispute between a driver and traffic police. Instead, the organizations are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the entire sequence of events, from its inception, to uncover the underlying circumstances that led to such a desperate act.

According to the joint statement, the tragic incident unfolded on Ashwin 5 (September 22). A bus, bearing registration number Ba.5kha 4274, was en route from Mulpani to Thankot Bhanjyang with passengers when it was stopped by traffic police near Tripureshwor Eye Hospital for allegedly honking. Following this, additional police personnel arrived, and the bus was reportedly halted in front of the Passport Department, where passengers were deboarded. The driver was then allegedly detained for approximately two hours, after which attempts were made to take him to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office in Baggi Khana. The vehicle owner, quoted in the statement, claims the driver refused to comply, asserting his innocence and reporting mental pressure and harassment from the traffic police. Shortly after the owner informed the police about the driver's distressed state, the driver tragically locked himself inside the bus, set himself ablaze, and the vehicle subsequently caught fire. The transport organizations are demanding an impartial and factual investigation to determine how such a dire situation was allowed to escalate to self-immolation.

To ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation, the federations have specifically called for the examination of CCTV footage from the incident site and surrounding areas, testimonies from eyewitnesses, detailed phone contact records, and a scrutiny of the roles played by the concerned police officers. This level of detail in their demands highlights a deep-seated mistrust in the current investigative processes and a strong desire for accountability.

Beyond the immediate investigation, the transport sector has put forth a series of broader demands aimed at improving working conditions and addressing systemic issues. These include immediate relief, appropriate compensation, and rehabilitation for the deceased driver's family, as well as compensation for the owner of the fire-damaged vehicle. Furthermore, they are advocating for the employment of transport workers under formal labor contracts, ensuring their inclusion in social security schemes, and establishing a 24-hour complaint and hearing system to address instances of abuse and unnecessary harassment by traffic police. The organizations also seek the creation of a mechanism for regular monitoring to ensure that vehicle checks and penalties are conducted strictly according to legal procedures and codes of conduct. They urge the government to make traffic policing more technology-friendly and public-oriented, and crucially, to incorporate the workplace and mental safety of transport workers into state policy, alongside existing road safety measures.

In a stern warning, the joint statement indicates that a 'Joint Struggle Committee,' comprising the presidents of all six organizations, has been formed to press these demands. Should their calls not be addressed promptly, the committee has threatened to announce further peaceful and lawful protest programs. This potential for widespread industrial action could significantly disrupt Nepal's supply chains, impact daily economic activities, and further strain public-government relations. For investors, such social unrest and the threat of sector-wide strikes signal increased operational risks and potential economic instability, warranting close monitoring of the situation and its resolution.