Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Nepalese prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, has died after protesters set fire to the couple’s residence in Kathmandu.
The attack took place Tuesday in the Dallu area of the capital, where demonstrators allegedly trapped her inside before torching the house. She was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital but later died from severe injuries.
Her death underscores escalating unrest in Nepal, where youth-led protests against corruption, political nepotism, and economic hardship entered a second day. Authorities said at least 22 people have been killed and more than 300 injured since violence erupted on Monday.
Amnesty International accused security forces of firing live rounds at protesters. Videos circulating online showed petrol bombs targeting the homes of former prime ministers K.P. Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as Maoist Centre leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Government landmarks including Singh Durbar, the central administrative complex, and Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence, were also attacked.
Under mounting pressure, Oli, 73, announced his resignation Tuesday in a letter to the president, calling it a step toward a political solution. Several ministers, including those overseeing water supply, agriculture, and home affairs, also resigned over the government’s handling of the crisis.
