Israel Demands Investigation in Syosset Woman's Death

Rep. Steve Israel has joined forces with the family of a Syosset woman who died suddenly in Nepal last month.

Israel has said he will try to cut aid to Nepal until a "full and fair and flawless investigation" is performed into the death of Syosset's Bhoomika Kochhar.

Kochhar was living in Nepal with her husband, Akaash Jatia, when her body was discovered in their apartment June 15.

Kochhar's family claims she was abused by the Jatia family and demanded a full investigation into her death, but were dismayed by the complex process.

It is for that reason that Israel said at a press conference Monday that he would "seek to put a hold on all or some of that foreign assistance" until a full investigation was performed, according to News 12.

"You don't get US citizens' money unless you can ensure justice for US citizens," he said, according to the report.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to get the answers we deserve,” said Kochhar's family in a statement.

Family members said they wanted to look into the legality of a dowry they paid and into Kochhar's possible suicide, said the statement.

According to the Government of Nepal, Kochhar's family must file a First Information Report to begin the investigation.

"Although there’s nothing we can do to bring Bhoomika back, we must make sure that her family is provided with both closure and justice," said Israel.