Nepal was plunged into chaos this week as resentment over government ‘corruption’ boiled over following an extensive social media ban. Thousands have since taken to the streets — clashing with the police, torching government buildings and even attacking key politicians. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned from his post on Tuesday morning as the agitation continued to escalate. Speculative reports have since suggested that the ousted leader may flee the Nepal on a private plane.
Private jet on standby
Multiple source-based reports suggested that a private jet had been placed on standby for Oli. The rumours suggest that he will seek safe passage to Dubai under the pretext of medical treatment. The former PM has reportedly asked the Army — with private carrier Himalaya Airlines readying a jet for his departure. Multiple Nepal Army helicopters were also spotted flying over the Bhaisepati area on Tuesday afternoon to evacuate several federal and provincial ministers amid the rising violence.
According to an India Today report, Oli had spoken to the Nepal Army Chief before submitting his resignation and urged General Ashok Raj Sigdel to take charge of the worsening situation. The Army chief had reportedly asked Oli to tend his resignation — outlining it as the only way for the military to stabilise the situation. The ousted PM is also believed to have sought Army support while escaping from the Prime Ministerial residence on Tuesday.
Politicians face brunt of protester fury
Anger against the government showed no signs of abating on Tuesday — with multiple politicians thrashed and their homes set on fire. Protesters also torched the home of ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and set parts of the Presidential residence on fire. Local media reported that some ministers were plucked to safety by military helicopters while videos shared online showed the crowd chasing others down streets.
The wife of former PM Jhalanath Khanal was killed on Tuesday after angry protesters set his house on fire. They also torched the homes of former Prime Ministers Baburam Bhattarai and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Visuals shared online suggest that the latter was also assulted by the angry crowd before being rescued by army officials.
Meanwhile Bishnu Prasad Paudel — the Deputy PM and Finance Minister of Nepal — was allegedly thrashed and stripped by protesters. Videos that have since gone viral show the 65-year-old running frantically as the angry crowd chases him down a street. He was dragged around by his hands and legs by a group of people upon being caught. Former minister Ek Nath Dhakal was also stripped and paraded by the protesters.