Nepal has been plunged into deep political and civil unrest after the wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, tragically died following an arson attack on their residence in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Dallu area of the capital, where protesters reportedly trapped Chitrakar inside the home before setting it ablaze. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries during treatment, hospital sources confirmed.
The fatal attack came amid escalating youth-led anti-government protests that have swept across the Himalayan nation for a second consecutive day, leaving at least 22 dead and over 300 injured since unrest broke out on Monday.
The demonstrations were initially sparked by public anger over corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation and intensified following a now-lifted government-imposed ban on social media platforms, which many saw as a suppression of free speech.
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Government in Crisis as Top Leaders Resign
The political fallout has been swift and severe. K.P. Sharma Oli, Nepal’s 73-year-old former Prime Minister, resigned on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the President, calling it a “step towards a political solution and resolution of the problems”. His resignation followed mounting pressure and widespread attacks on high-ranking officials.
Several other ministers — including those responsible for home affairs, water supply, and agriculture — have also stepped down amid criticism over their handling of the rapidly deteriorating situation.
Political Residences and Key Government Sites Targeted
Footage circulating on social media shows petrol bombs being hurled at the residences of senior political figures, including former Prime Ministers Sher Bahadur Deuba and K.P. Sharma Oli, as well as Maoist Centre leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. No injuries have been confirmed at these sites.
Protesters also targeted major government landmarks, including Singh Durbar, Nepal’s central administrative complex, and Sheetal Niwas, the official residence of the president.
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Amnesty International Condemns Use of Live Ammunition
Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has condemned Nepalese security forces for what it described as the “unlawful and excessive use of force”, including the use of live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators.
Eyewitnesses claim security personnel fired directly into crowds in at least three districts, although the government has not yet confirmed these reports.
What’s Next for Nepal?
With the nation gripped by one of the most volatile periods in recent history, pressure is mounting on President Ram Chandra Poudel to initiate an emergency national dialogue and appoint a caretaker government capable of restoring order and addressing deep-seated public grievances.
The funeral of Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar is expected to take place under heavy security, as opposition leaders call for justice and accountability over her death.
As of Wednesday morning, Kathmandu remains under partial curfew, with mobile internet services intermittently disrupted and a heavy police presence deployed across major intersections.
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