Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of Jhalanath Khanal, a former prime minister of Nepal, has died after protesters set their home ablaze in Kathmandu.
The incident occurred on Tuesday in the Dallu area of the capital city, where demonstrators reportedly trapped her inside the residence before igniting the fire.
Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to severe injuries during treatment.
Her death comes as violent, youth-led protests continued for a second day across Nepal despite the government lifting a controversial ban on social media platforms.
Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of government officials over allegations of corruption, political nepotism, and economic stagnation.
At least 22 people have now been killed since the unrest began on Monday, with over 300 injured. Amnesty International accused Nepalese police of using live ammunition on protesters.
Videos circulating online showed petrol bombs hurled at the residences of top politicians, including those of Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, another former prime minister; and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chairman of the Maoist Centre.
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Major government landmarks, including Singh Durbar, the central administrative complex, and Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence, were also targeted.
Amid the spiralling violence, Oli, 73, announced his resignation in a letter to the president on Tuesday, saying the decision was necessary to “take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems”.
The protests, driven largely by young Nepalis, have spread across Kathmandu and other cities.
Several ministers, including those of water supply, agriculture, and home affairs, also tendered their resignations in protest at the government’s handling of the crisis.
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