Ex-Nepal PM Khanal’s Wife Dies After Protesters Set Home Ablaze

Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Nepalese Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal has died after protesters set their residence ablaze in Kathmandu.

The attack took place on Tuesday in the Dallu area of the capital, where demonstrators allegedly trapped her inside before igniting fire on their residence.

Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to severe injuries during treatment.

Her death came amid escalating youth-led protests that have rocked Nepal for a second consecutive day, despite the government lifting a controversial ban on social media platforms.

Demonstrators were demanding the resignation of senior officials over corruption, nepotism, and economic stagnation.

At least 22 people have been killed and more than 300 injured since the unrest erupted on Monday.

Amnesty International accused the Nepalese police of using live ammunition against protesters.

Footage circulating online showed petrol bombs hurled at the homes of senior politicians, including former prime ministers K.P. Sharma Oli and
Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as Maoist Centre leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Key government sites such as Singh Durbar, the central administrative complex, and Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence, were also targeted by demonstrators.

As violence escalated, 73-year-old Oli resigned through a letter addressed to the president on Tuesday, calling it a step towards a “political solution and resolution of the problems.”

Several ministers, including those of water supply, agriculture, and home affairs, have also quit over the government’s handling of the crisis.