Ex-Nepal PM’s wife killed as protesters revolt against corruption

Tragedy struck on Tuesday when Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, lost her life after protesters set fire to the couple’s home in Kathmandu’s Dallu neighborhood.

Eyewitnesses said demonstrators trapped Chitrakar inside the residence before igniting the blaze. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but died during treatment due to the severity of her injuries.

Her death came as violent, youth-driven protests spread across Nepal for a second consecutive day, despite the government’s decision to lift a contentious ban on social media earlier in the week.

Protesters are calling for the resignation of senior government officials, accusing them of corruption, nepotism, and failure to address economic stagnation.

Since the unrest began on Monday, at least 22 people have been killed and more than 300 injured. Amnesty International has accused Nepalese authorities of firing live bullets at demonstrators.

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Videos circulating on social media show petrol bombs being thrown at the residences of several prominent leaders, including Prime Ministers K.P. Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who also heads the Maoist Centre.

Key government buildings, such as Singha Durbar – the central administrative complex – and Sheetal Niwas, the presidential palace, were also attacked.

Faced with mounting turmoil, 73-year-old Prime Minister Oli resigned on Tuesday, saying his decision was meant “to take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems.”

The protests, led mostly by young Nepalis, have now spread beyond the capital into other cities. Several cabinet ministers, including those overseeing water supply, agriculture, and home affairs, also stepped down in protest over the government’s handling of the crisis.

Authorities are struggling to restore calm as both domestic and international voices continue to call for dialogue and restraint.