Protests erupt after ride-hailing driver dies from burn injuries

A protest erupted in Kathmandu as demonstrators demanded justice for Ganesh Nepali, a ride-hailing driver who died from burn injuries after setting himself on fire outside the Department of Passports. The protest, organized by individuals from Nepali's home district of Mugu, fellow ride-hailing drivers, and members of the Gen Z movement, convened at Maitighar Mandala.

Following their demonstration, protesters attempted to march towards Bir Hospital, where Nepali had been receiving treatment, but were intercepted by police at Bhadrakali. The Scientific Socialist Student Union also held a separate protest at Maitighar. Placards carried by demonstrators read, "Down with the fascist government," "Provide compensation to the victim's family," and "Stop traffic terror."

Nepali, originally from Mugu and residing in Bhaktapur with his wife and young daughter, worked as a ride-hailing driver. He sustained severe burns on Thursday after dousing himself with petrol and igniting himself outside the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor. He succumbed to his injuries on Friday at Bir Hospital.

According to police reports, the incident unfolded after Kathmandu Metropolitan City Police placed a wheel lock on Nepali's motorcycle for alleged illegal parking and moved to impound the vehicle. In response, Nepali retrieved petrol from his motorcycle, poured it over himself, and set himself ablaze.