Kathmandu was plunged deeper into chaos Tuesday after Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, was killed when protesters set fire to their residence in the Dallu area of the capital.
According to family sources, Ms. Chitrakar was trapped inside the home as demonstrators, many from the Gen Z-led movement, stormed the property. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but succumbed to her injuries during treatment.
The shocking incident unfolded just hours after Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli announced his resignation, bowing to mounting nationwide unrest over a recently lifted social media ban and wider anger at corruption and political privilege. Oli’s own home was also set ablaze during the protests.
Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, 65, narrowly escaped with his life after being chased through the streets of Kathmandu. A disturbing video showed him being kicked and beaten by an enraged mob.
The protests, dubbed the “Gen Z Movement,” erupted after the government attempted to block over 20 social media platforms including Facebook, X, and YouTube. Although the ban was reversed Monday night, demonstrations escalated, fuelled by anger over the deaths of 19 protesters in police shootings and broader frustration with political corruption.
Crowds have torched government buildings, including parliament, and set fire to the homes of senior leaders. Kathmandu’s airport was shut down, with army helicopters ferrying ministers to safety.
Oli, announcing his immediate resignation, said he could no longer govern amid the unrest.
For many young demonstrators, the movement is also about fighting entrenched political dynasties and so-called “Nepo Kids”; children of leaders who enjoy privilege while most youth struggle to find jobs.
The violence has prompted international concern. India has advised its citizens to postpone travel to Nepal until the situation stabilises, while Air India, IndiGo, and Nepal Airlines cancelled flights from Delhi to Kathmandu on Tuesday.
What began as protests over a social media ban has now spiraled into a full-blown revolt, exposing deep generational anger and threatening Nepal with prolonged instability.
