Kenya, Sept. 10 -- The death of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, has gripped Nepal with horror after protesters attacked their family home, locking her inside and setting it ablaze, according to local media reports.

The 62-year-old suffered severe burns and succumbed in Kirtipur Burn Hospital despite emergency efforts, as violent unrest fuelled by youth-led demonstrations against corruption and a recent social media ban spiralled out of control.

The chaos intensified with reports of protesters beating and chasing passersby, including a disturbing video showing Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel being forced into a river and assaulted.

The tragedy unfolded Tuesday in the Dallu area of Kathmandu, where Gen Z protesters, enraged by a now-lifted social media ban and systemic graft, targeted political figures' residences.

Witnesses described a mob surrounding the Khanal home, trapping Rajyalaxmi inside before igniting the structure. Neighbours alerted authorities, but rescue came too late, with her husband, Jhalanath, and son, Nirbhik, escaping with army assistance.

The violence didn't stop there: Singha Durbar, the parliament building, and homes of leaders like President Ram Chandra Paudel and PM KP Sharma Oli, who resigned amid the crisis, were also torched.

Reports indicate that the unrest has resulted in at least 19 deaths and over 300 injuries, forcing Kathmandu's airport to close. The assault on Paudel, captured on video and widely shared, showed the 65-year-old minister fleeing a mob, only to be cornered, kicked into a river, and beaten before security intervened.

Protesters, armed with sticks and stones, roamed streets defying curfews, targeting anyone perceived as elite. President Paudel has called for dialogue to end the bloodshed, but the mood remains volatile, with youth demanding accountability.

The army has deployed helicopters to evacuate officials, but the public's anger remains unabated. As Nepal protests death continues to dominate headlines, the nation mourns Rajyalaxmi's loss while grappling with a deepening crisis.

With leaders under siege and infrastructure strained, the focus shifts to restoring order and addressing the root causes of this youth-driven revolt, ensuring such tragedies don't repeat in Kathmandu's turbulent streets.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.