KATHMANDU: Violent anti-government protests in Nepal claimed a tragic turn when the residence of former Prime Minister Jhalnath Khanal was set on fire by demonstrators. His wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, suffered critical burn injuries in the blaze and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.
The attack came as part of the escalating “Gen-Z unrest” movement, which began over government restrictions on social media and has since grown into a wider revolt against corruption, nepotism, and economic distress. Over the past week, protesters have torched government buildings, party offices, and even private homes of political leaders.
The unrest has already left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, facing mounting public fury, announced his resignation on September 9, saying he was stepping down to make way for a political resolution.
Khanal, who served as Nepal’s Prime Minister between 2011 and 2012, was not at the residence when the attack occurred. His wife’s death, however, has sent shockwaves across the political spectrum, highlighting the deepening chaos as the country struggles to contain its worst political crisis in years.
