Kathmandu, 16 Sep: On September 10, 2020 (Bhadra 24), a violent mob of “Gen-Z” protesters stormed the private residence of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, then-Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, in Budhanilkantha. The couple was severely beaten inside their home, which was later set on fire. Despite the presence of security personnel, the assailants were not stopped. After a difficult rescue operation involving the army and a helicopter, the injured Deubas were hospitalized. They remain under treatment, with their health condition and location kept confidential for security reasons, and are expected to need at least another week of hospitalization.
Violent Mob Attacks Former PM Deuba and Wife at Home
A group of protesters broke into the home of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, then-Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, in Budhanilkantha on Bhadra 24(Sep 9) and subjected them to a brutal assault. Videos circulating on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook show the assailants entering the house, reaching the couple’s room, and physically attacking them despite pleas from security and Deuba’s nephew, Bhanu Deuba.
Nepal Congress release this image
Security Failure and Severe Injuries
Despite being provided state security as a former Prime Minister, the security detail present failed to protect the couple. The videos show Arzu Rana Deuba being kicked from behind, causing her to fall, while some protesters were also seen trying to help them. Both sustained significant injuries; Deuba has wounds on his neck and back, with a source describing his neck injury as “as if hit by a sharp or glass object.” Arzu has injuries on her neck and body, and her face is swollen and bruised from punches.
Prior to the attack, party workers had urged the couple to move to a safer location as protesters gathered. Deuba reportedly refused, stating, “I have security here, they will provide safety. If they come to kill me, I will die in my own house. Why should I run?” Fraternal organizations also offered help, which he declined. The mob subsequently set the house and vehicles on fire, with videos of cash burning inside also emerging.
Context of the Gen-Z Protests
The attack occurred during widespread “Gen-Z” protests (involving those born between 1997-2012) against corruption and the KP Sharma Oli-led government’s decision to shut down social media. The demonstrations turned violent a day after 17 people were killed in protests in Kathmandu on Bhadra 23(Sep 8), leading mobs to target leaders’ homes and government offices.
The rescue operation was severely hampered. The Nepali Army and a helicopter were deployed, but the helicopter could not land initially due to stones being thrown by the protesters. Security personnel shielded the couple with their bodies for a long time. Eventually, the couple was moved from the compound using a ladder and later evacuated by the helicopter once it could land, under continued stone pelting.
Viral footage on Tiktok and face book
Ongoing Hospitalization and Confidentiality
The Deuba couple has been undergoing treatment at a hospital inside the Kathmandu Valley for the past six days. The name of the hospital and details of their health condition have not been publicly disclosed due to security concerns. A close source stated that doctors have said their condition is improving but they will need to remain hospitalized for more than a week. Both have deep physical and psychological trauma. Only immediate family members have been allowed to visit, and even senior Nepali Congress leaders have not been able to meet them directly.
NC Vice-President Purnabahadur Khadka has spoken with Deuba on the phone and issued a statement condemning the “inhumane and barbaric attack” and wishing them a speedy recovery. Sher Bahadur Deuba, 79, is a five-time former Prime Minister, and Arzu Rana Deuba is 63.
