mm-news-@dmin Chitrakar succumbs to severe burns after protesters allegedly torched her Kathmandu residence
KATHMANDU: Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has died after sustaining fatal burn injuries when protesters allegedly set her home ablaze in Dallu, Kathmandu, Indian media reported on Tuesday.
According to family members, demonstrators forced Chitrakar inside the residence before igniting the fire. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries during treatment. Reports indicated she had suffered severe burns to multiple parts of her body, including her lungs.
The attack came as violent, Gen Z-led protests spread across Nepal for a second consecutive day, triggered by corruption allegations, unemployment, and the government’s social media ban.
Although authorities lifted the ban late Monday, demonstrators still torched buildings, forcing the closure of Kathmandu airport and prompting India to advise its nationals in Nepal to remain indoors.
Videos circulating online showed protesters setting fire to the Parliament building and the homes of top leaders, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and former premiers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Protesters also reportedly attacked Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, though independent sources could not verify the authenticity of some footage.
Rallies a day earlier left at least 19 people dead. One of the deadliest crackdowns in years which fueled public anger. Facing mounting pressure, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli tendered his resignation. With aides confirming he stepped down after consultations with the Nepal Army Chief.
Mobs also set fire to the offices of President Ramchandra Paudel. Pleaded for “all parties to exercise restraint, to not allow further damage”.
Neighbouring India also echoed the call. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that the “stability, peace and prosperity of Nepal are of utmost importance to us”.
UN rights chief Volker Turk said he was “appalled” by the violence and urged talks, but authorities ignored his appeals.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said the headquarters of a major publisher. The Kantipur Media Group was burning, and called on “protesters not to target journalists”.
The International Crisis Group called it a “major inflection point in the country’s uneasy experience with democratic rule”.
Kathmandu’s airport remains open, but smoke from fires reduced visibility and forced the cancellation of some flights, airport spokesman Rinji Sherpa said.
