March 29, 2025: A pro-monarchy demonstration in Nepal demanding the reinstatement of the constitutional monarchy spiraled into deadly violence on Friday, leaving two people dead and at least 112 injured. In the aftermath, police arrested over 100 individuals involved in arson, vandalism, and clashes with security forces.
The protest, led by supporters of former king Gyanendra Shah, saw parts of Kathmandu descend into chaos as demonstrators pelted stones, set vehicles on fire, looted shops, and attacked political party offices. A television cameraman lost his life after the building he was filming from was set on fire, while another protester died from a gunshot wound during the clashes.
Authorities confirmed that 105 agitators have been arrested so far, including key political figures such as Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana and central member Rabindra Mishra. A curfew was imposed in parts of Kathmandu at 4:25 pm on Friday to control the violence and was lifted at 7 am on Saturday.
The violence escalated after Durga Prasai, the convener of the agitation, broke through security barricades in a bulletproof vehicle, heading towards Baneshwor, where the Parliament building is located. Police officials stated that Prasai is currently at large.
Superintendent of Police Apil Bohara confirmed that security forces used tear gas, water cannons, rubber bullets, and eventually fired live rounds into the air to control the situation. Reports indicate that 14 buildings were set ablaze, nine government vehicles were torched, and six private vehicles were vandalized.
Among the injured, 53 were police personnel, 22 belonged to the Armed Police Force, and 35 were protestors. Media houses were also targeted, with the Kantipur Television building and Annapurna Media House in the Tinkune area coming under attack.
Cabinet spokesman and Minister of Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung condemned the violence, saying, "This is sheer vandalism, arson, looting, and anarchy. It cannot be termed a protest."
As the investigation continues, authorities are intensifying efforts to apprehend those responsible for inciting the violence.