Investigation demanded on death of journalist Bishwakarma

The Working Journalists’ Association Nepal has staged an hour-long sit-in at the Civil Hospital at New Baneshwor, Kathmandu on Sunday, demanding an investigation into the death of journalist LB Bishwakarma.

Bishwakarma, who has been associated with TV Today television, was admitted to Patan Hospital after he was suddenly taken ill. He died on January 20 at 3:00 am in course of treatment. He was 26.

The Association also demanded that the culprit(s) be prosecuted and an arrangement of education be made for the children of deceased journalist Bishwakarma. The demand also includes compensation to the bereaved family and employment to the deceased’s family member. The protesting journalists claimed that Bishwakarma died in lack of timely treatment by the Civil Hospital.

According to the Association, Civil Hospital refused to admit Bishwakarma until he underwent a PCR test for COVID-19. The negligence on the part of Civil Hospital, the Association blamed, claimed the life of Bishwakarma.

The Association also demanded the withdrawal of an investigation team formed by the Civil Hospital authority and said that the incident is probed by the Nepal Medical Council.

The TV Today Television management, after the request of the Association, provided Rs 21,000 as a relief amount for expenses of the final rites of the deceased journalist, according to the Association.

Also, the TV Today management has pledged to deposit some amount in the bank account of the deceased’s spouse for the education of their children.

Bishwakarma is survived by a son and spouse. He was originally from Ramaroshan of Accham district and was pursuing journalism in Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the National Dalit Journalist Association Nepal called for an immediate investigation into the demise of Bishwakarma. It has also pressed for action against the erring Hospital.