Nepal was plunged into chaos this week as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned amid escalating protests. Numerous lawmakers as well as former Nepali leaders were also attacked as the angry demonstrations continued for a second day. Visuals shared online also showed the jubilant ‘Gen Z agitators’ setting the Supreme Court and Parliament building on fire.
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.
Former Prime Ministers attacked
According to reports, the wife of former PM Jhalanath Khanal was killed on Tuesday after angry protesters set his house on fire. Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar had been inside at the time and suffered extensive burns. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in a critical condition — with extensive injuries and serious lung damage — and eventually succumbed to her injuries.
Protesters also set fire to the house of former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Eyewitnesses said the family was seen carrying belongings and begging for mercy while the agitators continued to chant slogans outside his home. The house of Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung was also set ablaze, while the residence of former PM and Opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal was pelted with stones before being torched.
A similar scene also played out at the home of former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba — with reports suggesting that the politician and his wife (current Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba) were being held in the custody of protesters. They were allegedly assaulted and videos purportedly from the scene showed the ex-PM bleeding from the side of his face. Deuba is the president of the Nepali Congress, which is part of Nepal’s ruling coalition.
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.
KP Sharma Oli to leave Nepal?
Multiple source-based reports suggested on Tuesday that ousted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli may soon leave the country. A private jet has reportedly been placed on standby for him — with the destination likely to be Dubai.
An India Today report suggested earlier on Tuesday afternoon that Oli could leave under the pretext of medical treatment. Private carrier Himalaya Airlines has reportedly kept an aircraft on standby.