A pro-monarchy demonstration organized by supporters of Nepal’s former royal family spiraled into chaos on Friday, March 28, 2025, in the Tinkune area of the capital, resulting in the deaths of two individuals—one of whom was a photojournalist Suresh Rajak—and widespread destruction, including a targeted attack on a prominent media house.
The violent unrest prompted authorities to impose a curfew in parts of Kathmandu, while a separate pro-republic rally held by republican parties at Bhrikutimandap concluded peacefully on the same day.
The protest, led by pro-monarchy figure Durga Prasai, turned deadly as clashes erupted between demonstrators and police. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, one protester, identified as 29-year-old Sabin Maharjan from Kirtipur-4, was killed after being struck by a police bullet. The ministry has not yet provided further details on the circumstances of his death. Additionally, a television photojournalist lost his life while covering the unrest. Authorities reported that the journalist was filming near a house set ablaze by protesters when rescue efforts failed to reach him in time due to the intensity of the fire.
Nepal Police spokesperson Dinesh Acharya lamented the delay in extinguishing the fire, stating, “By the time the fire brigade arrived, it was too late to put out the flames, and we couldn’t rescue him.” The journalist’s death has heightened concerns about the safety of media personnel amid escalating tensions.
The pro-monarchy rally quickly descended into anarchy as protesters engaged in widespread vandalism, arson, and looting, including a particularly vicious assault on the Annapurna Media Network (AMN) Tower in Tinkune. Demonstrators hurled stones, shattering windows, and attempted to set the building ablaze, endangering the lives of journalists and staff inside. The attack caused significant damage to the structure and has been widely condemned as an assault on press freedom.
AMN issued a statement condemning the attack as an “act of terrorism” and called for solidarity from national and international communities. The General Manager of AMN declared, “This violent assault on a reputed media house is unacceptable. We urge the government to take decisive action against those responsible and appeal to global media rights organizations to stand with us in protecting press freedom.”
Beyond the AMN Tower, protesters torched private homes, a herbal processing factory, and vehicles in the vicinity. The Ministry of Home Affairs also reported an attempted arson attack near the Tribhuvan International Airport complex. In the nearby Koteshwor area, looters ransacked the Bhatbhateni Supermarket, with videos circulating on social media showing a mob attacking security guards and stealing goods ranging from fruits to clothing.
Local administration officials cited the rampant looting and destruction as the reason for imposing a curfew in Tinkune and surrounding areas. “The situation became uncontrollable, with private properties being systematically targeted,” an official from the Kathmandu District Administration Office explained.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has placed the blame squarely on rally organizer Durga Prasai, asserting that he must bear full responsibility for the damages and loss of life. Joint Secretary Chhabi Rijal, speaking at a press conference, stated, “Since Durga Prasai led this movement, he is fundamentally accountable for these events. The organizers must take complete responsibility for the destruction caused today.”
The ministry condemned the actions of the pro-monarchy supporters as “inhumane, illegal, and utterly deplorable,” citing attacks on private properties, hospitals, political party offices, media houses, commercial centers, and transportation vehicles. Rijal warned that those who violated the law during the protest would face strict legal consequences. So far, police have arrested four individuals linked to the violence, with investigations ongoing.
In addition to the two fatalities, the unrest left 15 civilians and several security personnel injured, according to police reports. The injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals, though details about their conditions remain limited.
Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
