Former Nepali PM’s wife dies after home set on fire during protests

Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has died after being set on fire inside her home in Dallu, Kathmandu, according to family sources.

The incident reportedly occurred when protesters surrounded her residence and trapped her inside before setting the house ablaze. Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries during treatment, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The attack has heightened concerns over the escalating violence in the nationwide Gen-Z demonstrations, which have already resulted in multiple casualties. Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

Nepal has been engulfed in political turmoil following massive Gen Z-led protests against corruption, nepotism, and a controversial social media ban. The unrest, which has claimed at least 22 lives and injured hundreds, forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign on September 9, 2025. Protesters have clashed with security forces, set fire to government buildings and politicians’ homes, and prompted the Nepalese Army to take charge of maintaining security amid the ongoing chaos.

By Vugar Khalilov