Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of Nepal’s former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, died on Tuesday after protesters set fire to their residence in the Dallu area of Kathmandu.
According to family sources, Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. The incident occurred amid the violent anti-government protests sweeping the Himalayan nation.
The demonstrations, led largely by Gen Z protesters, intensified even after the government lifted its short-lived social media ban on Monday night. Protesters set fire to the homes of several political leaders, including that of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who announced his resignation on Tuesday.
A disturbing video also showed Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, being chased, kicked, and thrashed on the streets of the capital.
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Authorities confirmed that at least 19 people were killed on Monday when police opened fire on crowds during protests against the blocking of Facebook, X, YouTube, and other platforms.
Anger Over Nepotism and Corruption
Though the ban was revoked, the rallies continued, fuelled by accusations of corruption and resentment against the privileges enjoyed by the children of political leaders, often referred to as “Nepo Kids.”
Demonstrators have accused the political elite of corruption while young people struggle with unemployment and limited opportunities.
As the unrest deepened, India advised its citizens to defer travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises.
Several flights between Delhi and Kathmandu were cancelled on Tuesday. Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines suspended operations citing security concerns as protesters set fire to government buildings, including the parliament. The capital’s airport was also temporarily shut, with army helicopters deployed to move some ministers to safer locations.
