Health – Health: Stay updated with the latest details about Health of ex-Nepal PM’s wife improving after suffering burns in protest-linked fire. Read the full report on MumbaiNews24.com.
Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, the wife of former Nepal Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, is showing signs of improvement after suffering severe burn injuries when protesters set fire to their residence in Kathmandu, according to sources at Kirtipur Burn Hospital. The incident occurred during violent demonstrations that have swept Nepal’s capital as public outrage against a short-lived social media ban escalated into widespread anti-government protests.
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Violence Erupts Amid Social Media Ban Protests
On Tuesday, young demonstrators, many from Generation Z, stormed political offices and private homes in Kathmandu, setting them ablaze in protest of what they described as government censorship and corruption. Among the properties targeted was the Dallu-area home of ex-Prime Minister Khanal, where his wife was trapped as the building was set on fire by an angry mob.
According to eyewitness accounts and hospital sources:
- Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar suffered extensive burns and was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital.
- Initial reports of her death circulated widely, but medical staff later confirmed she was alive and undergoing treatment, with her condition now reported to be improving.[1]
- The attack on Khanal’s home was part of a coordinated series of arson strikes on residences and offices of top political leaders, including current and former prime ministers.[1][4]
Political Fallout and Widening Unrest
The protests, which began over the government’s temporary ban on social media platforms, quickly evolved into broader anti-corruption demonstrations. Violent clashes between protesters and police have left at least 22 dead and more than 300 injured across Kathmandu, according to hospital officials.[4]
- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned late Tuesday following mounting pressure and attacks on his own residence.[1][4]
- Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was chased, assaulted, and humiliated in the streets.
- Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and her husband, former PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, were also reportedly attacked and injured.[4]
- Protesters stormed key government buildings, including the federal parliament and the presidential residence.
The Nepal Army has since assumed control over law and order in the capital, warning of further instability and urging both sides to exercise restraint.[4]
Conflicting Reports and Unverified Claims
While multiple sources initially reported the death of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, hospital staff and family members now indicate that she survived the attack and is responding to treatment. The evolving situation and lack of official statements have contributed to confusion and misinformation.[1][2]
- Some media outlets continue to report her death, citing family sources and local news agencies.[2][4]
- Other sources, including hospital staff, refute these claims and confirm her ongoing recovery.[1]
This highlights the challenges of verifying information during periods of rapid and violent social upheaval.
International Response and Security Measures
The crisis in Nepal has drawn attention from neighboring India, which placed its borders on high alert and convened a special security meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the situation.[3]
- India’s Cabinet Committee on Security met late Tuesday to discuss potential spillover effects and humanitarian concerns.
- International observers have called for calm and urged the Nepalese government to address the underlying causes of unrest, including demands for transparency and accountability.
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Conclusion
The improving health of Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar offers a rare glimmer of hope amid Nepal’s most severe political crisis in years. As the country grapples with violence, leadership changes, and calls for reform, the safety of political families and the restoration of public order remain urgent priorities. Continued vigilance, accurate reporting, and support for victims are essential as Nepal navigates this turbulent period.
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