Kathmandu, 17 Sep: During the protest of 24th Bhadra, widespread arson and vandalism targeted both government and private sectors. Hundreds of industries, business structures, and commercial houses were set on fire, causing damages worth billions of rupees. Alongside, more than a dozen people lost their lives in these incidents.
The identified victims are 26-year-old Swasthani Khadka from Baidyashwar Gaupalika-8, Kshetrapa, Dolakha; 40-year-old Mahendra Pariyar from Chandragiri-5, Kathmandu; and 26-year-old Saroj Khatri from Bhumlu Gaupalika-4, Kavrepalanchok.
Swasthani wanted to become a legal professional. She was studying law at Nepal LA Campus and had gone to Pokhara for personal work. She participated in the protest on the 24th of Bhadau. Her family does not know how she died. Her body was found in a burnt state at the Himalayan Organisations in Pokhara. The family still does not know how she ended up at that institution.
Victim Profiles
Swasthani Khadka (26), Dolakha: A law student with dreams of becoming a lawyer. She was in Pokhara for personal work and participated in the protest. Her burnt body was found inside a building, and her family has no details on how she died or how she got there.
Mahendra Pariyar (40), Kathmandu: A daily wage laborer and the only son of an elderly mother. He was her sole provider and caretaker. His completely burnt body was found days after the protest inside the Vishal Group building. His death leaves his aged mother without any support.
Saroj Khatri (26), Kavre: The eldest son and primary breadwinner for his family, covering household expenses, his siblings’ education, and his parents’ medical bills. Influenced by the Gen-Z movement, he joined the protest. He died in the fire at the residence of Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s daughter. His identification was possible only by his head shape and an amulet he wore, as his body was severely burnt.
Common Themes and Unanswered Questions
Impact of the Gen-Z Movement: The text explicitly states that the viral nature of the movement’s initial protests influenced at least two of the victims (Mahendra and Saroj) to participate.
Lack of Information: The families of all three victims are left with profound grief and unanswered questions. The precise circumstances of how they ended up in the burning buildings and the exact cause of their deaths remain unknown to them.
Socio-Economic Vulnerability: The victims came from humble backgrounds and were the key financial supporters of their families. Their deaths have not only caused emotional trauma but also plunged their dependent families into severe economic and social crisis.
Call for Action: A local official mentions that the state should provide immediate relief and compensation to the destitute families left behind by the victims.
At least 15 people lost their lives in business buildings and private homes, including 12 at Bhatbhateni. So far, only 3 have been identified. It has been difficult to identify those who died in the fire, and since their own families have not come forward to search for them, it is still not known who the deceased are.
