Nepal protests: Former PM’s Wife killed in Arson

September 9, 2025

Kathmandu: Nepal plunged into unprecedented chaos on Monday as violent protests spiraled out of control, leaving at least 22 people dead and more than 400 injured in Kathmandu and surrounding districts.

Protesters stormed the Parliament building, looted weapons from security forces, and set fire to key installations, including the residences of the Prime Minister and President. Armed mobs also attacked the homes of former prime ministers, escalating political unrest into a full-blown security crisis.

The residence of former PM Jhalnath Khanal was torched, resulting in the tragic death of his wife, Rajlakshmi Chitrakar. She sustained critical burn injuries and was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital, where she succumbed during treatment.

In another shocking incident, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was assaulted at his residence, while Finance Minister Vishnu Paudel was chased and beaten near his Kathmandu home. A video circulating on social media shows a protester kicking Paudel in the chest as he attempted to flee.

Amid the violence, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced his resignation and was evacuated by an army helicopter to an undisclosed safe location. His departure followed mounting criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis and growing fears of institutional collapse.

The spiraling unrest, marked by arson, armed looting, and political attacks, has raised alarms about Nepal’s stability. Security forces remain on high alert, but public anger continues to boil over, with demonstrators defying curfews and police warnings.

Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as hospitals struggle to treat the injured and protests spread beyond the capital.

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