RPP lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi accuses government of negligence in Bhotekoshi flood rescue

Kathmandu, September 22, 2026 — Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentary party leader Gyanendra Shahi has accused the government of negligence in the rescue of people who were trapped inside hydropower project tunnels following the Bhotekoshi flood on August 26.

Speaking during a special session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Shahi described the deaths of those trapped in the tunnels as “state-sponsored killings” and alleged that the government failed to respond promptly after being informed about the situation.

“Even after being informed that people were trapped inside the tunnel, the government remained silent for 12 hours. Rescue operations began after 264 hours,” Shahi said. He also criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s statement that there was no machine available to remove mud from the tunnel, calling the statement irresponsible.

Shahi alleged that the delay in rescue efforts contributed to the loss of lives and criticized the government’s response to the incident.

He said the Bhotekoshi flood had left families in mourning and that many people remained missing. He also criticized what he described as delays and a lack of sensitivity in the state’s search, rescue and relief efforts.

Shahi questioned the government’s rescue capacity, asking why affected people should have to wait for weeks for rescue operations despite the state having security personnel, civil servants and financial resources.