The wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, succumbed from severe burn injuries, sustained when protestors allegedly set her home on fire in Dallu, Khatmandu.
According to Indian media reports, family members stated that demonstrators forced Chitrakar inside her residence before igniting the blaze.
She was critically injured and rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, but ultimately succumbed to her injuries which included severe burns to multiple body parts and her lungs.
This tragic incident occurred amid ongoing protests led by Gen Z activists, triggered by allegations of corruption, unemployment and a government ban on social media.
Despite the ban being lifted late Monday, violence escalated with protestors continuing to set buildings ablaze, prompting the closure of Khatmandu airport and an advisory from India urging its nationals in Nepal to stay indoors.
Videos circulating online depicted the Parliament building and residences of prominent political figures, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former premiers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba, being set on fire.
Finance mounting pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after consultations with the Nepal Army Chief. In response to the violence, President Ramchandra Paudel urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further damage, a sentiment echoed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who stressed the importance of stability and peace in Nepal.
United Nation rights chief Volker Turk expressed his shock at the violence and called for dialogue, though these appeals appeared to go unheeded.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that the headquarters of the Kantipur Media Group was on fire and urged protestors not to target journalists.
The international Crisis Group described the situation as a “major inflection point” in Nepal’s tumultuous democratic experience.
While Kathmandu’s airport remains operational, some flights were canceled due to reduced visibility from smoke.
