KATHMANDU: The Home Ministry has formed a team under the coordination of Joint Secretary Thaneshwor Gautam to probe the deaths that occurred in detention.

The team has been mandated to investigate the deaths of detainees/inmates in detention and prisons and furnish suggestions for reforming prison management.

The committee was formed in the wake of deaths of detainees each at – detention of District Police Office, Sunsari on October 10, detention of Tikapur Area Police Office, Kailali on October 11, and District Jail, Parbat on October 12.

Meanwhile, the government has made a commitment that it would disclose the facts relating to the death of Mohammad Hakim Saha from Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality of Sunsari in the detention center of District Police Office, Sunsari.

Receiving a memorandum submitted by the representatives of the Muslim community at the Home Ministry on Sunday, Home Minister Khand said saving citizen’s life is the government’s prime duty.

“Government is committed to bringing forth facts on the death of Mohammad Hakim at detention center by keeping intact social harmony,” he reiterated.

All citizens are free to adopt any culture and religion of their choice, he said, adding that the government is committed to saving people’s lives.

Via the memorandum, the Muslim community representatives demanded the cancellation of the present probe committee headed by the Chief District Officer and the formation of the new probe committee under the coordination of justice at high court having human rights defenders as representatives.

There were 11 representatives submitting the memorandum- including Chairperson of Islami Association, Khurshid Alam, General Secretary of Nepal Muslim Association, Rahamatulla Minya, a former member of the National Human Rights Commission.