The death toll from the ongoing Gen Z protests in Kathmandu Valley has risen to 31, according to officials from the Department of Forensic Medicine at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, where the deceased were brought for postmortem examinations.
So far, the identities of 25 victims have been preliminarily confirmed, while six individuals—five men and one woman—remain unidentified. Dr. Gopal Kumar Chaudhary, Head of the Department, stated that postmortems were conducted following international protocols, and further details of the deceased cannot yet be released. Most identifications were made through documents recovered from protest sites or by family members.
Over 1,000 people were injured during the protests, which erupted on September 8, 2025, across Kathmandu and other major cities including Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj. The demonstrations followed the government’s ban on major social media platforms, citing tax revenue and cybersecurity concerns.
Meanwhile, Ravi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former Nepalese PM Jhala Nath Khanal, is in critical condition after her residence in Kathmandu’s Dallu area was set on fire during the unrest. Earlier reports had incorrectly stated that she had died. Chitrakar sustained severe burns and was admitted to Kirtipur Hospital on Tuesday.
Amid the political turmoil, negotiations are ongoing between the Nepalese Army, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Gen Z youth leaders to establish an interim government. The protest leaders have unanimously nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the interim Prime Minister. Talks are expected to involve Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and may extend to the President’s Office at Sheetal Niwas depending on developments.
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah has publicly supported Karki, bolstering her position as the chosen candidate of the Gen Z movement. Protesters continue to demand an end to institutionalised corruption and favoritism, calling for greater government accountability and transparency.
Public outrage intensified after the ‘Nepo Babies’ social media trend exposed the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting the economic disparities affecting ordinary citizens.
Curfews remain in effect in several cities, including Kathmandu, and are expected to continue until Friday morning, according to the Nepalese Army.
