Nepal is facing one of its worst political and social crises as violent protests sweep across the country. On Tuesday, Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, died after being burnt alive when protesters set their home in Dallu, Kathmandu, on fire.

According to Nepali media outlet Khabar Hub, family members said Chitrakar was rushed to the Kirtipur Burn Hospital in critical condition but could not survive her injuries. The brutal incident has shocked the nation and further fuelled anger.

The violence began after widespread protests against the government’s social media ban. Although the government later lifted the ban, the demonstrations intensified, especially among young protesters. On the second day of unrest, at least two more people were killed, taking the death toll to 22. Over 300 people have been injured so far.

Protesters have attacked several key government and political landmarks. They set fire to Singh Durbar, Nepal’s central administrative complex, and also torched Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence. Residences of top leaders, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, and former premiers Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Sher Bahadur Deuba, were also attacked.

In the assault on Deuba’s residence, both he and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, were reportedly beaten by mobs. Offices of several political parties have also been vandalised.

Amid the escalating violence, Prime Minister Oli resigned from his post. His aide Prakash Silwal confirmed the resignation, saying Oli wanted to “facilitate a solution to the problem.” Sources in the army revealed that Oli had spoken to Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel for military support to control the chaos and to ensure his safe exit from the Prime Minister’s residence. However, the Army Chief reportedly told him the situation could only stabilise if he stepped down from power.

With Oli’s resignation and violence spreading across Kathmandu and other cities, Nepal is facing a deep political crisis, with protesters demanding a complete change in government.