Houses of Gagan Thapa and Energy Minister Khadka Set on Fire During Protests

Anger over the government’s forceful crackdown on the Gen-Z protests spilled into violence on Tuesday, as demonstrators attacked the homes of two senior political leaders in Kathmandu.

In Ratopul, protesters stormed the neighborhood of Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa. What began with burning tires and clashes near a local police post quickly escalated as the crowd turned toward Thapa’s residence. Within moments, flames engulfed the house, leaving residents and neighbors shaken.

Not far away, in Budhanilkantha, another wave of demonstrators descended on Energy Minister Deepak Khadka’s residence. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as protesters broke through barriers, scaled the compound wall, and set parts of the house ablaze. Thick black smoke rose into the night sky while angry chants against the government echoed through the streets.

For many, the fires symbolized more than property damage, they reflected the growing frustration of a generation that feels silenced and betrayed. Security forces rushed to both locations, but the atmosphere remained tense, with uncertainty hanging heavy over the capital.