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‘Saw buildings being burnt’: 82-year-old man visiting daughter in Nepal gets stuck, unsure return to Kolkata

The unrest in Nepal, sparked by youth protests against alleged corruption and a social media ban, has led to widespread violence and a halt in daily life.

Charred vehicles in the aftermath of Nepal's anti-government protests, in Birgunj of Parsa district, Wednesday. (Photo: PTI)

An 82-year-old Indian national, Rajkumar Bothra, is stranded at his daughter’s home in Nepal amidst heightened unrest. Bothra, who travelled to Nepal a few months ago and was scheduled to return to Kolkata on September 11, is now reconsidering his plans.

Speaking to The Indian Express from his daughter Madhuri Sethia’s residence, located near the Bhat-Bhateni supermarket, he said, “We could see buildings of ministers and people with corruption allegations being burnt. The Prime Minister’s residence is also not far from our location. The situation is very dangerous, and I am not certain if I will be able to return to Kolkata tomorrow.” He also highlighted the presence of military personnel on the roads and the shutdown of shops and schools.

The unrest in Nepal, sparked by youth protests against alleged corruption and a social media ban, has led to widespread violence and a halt in daily life. Tribhuvan International Airport has suspended flights, and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised citizens to defer travel.

Bothra, associated with Kashi Vishwanath Seva Samiti, had planned a journey involving a short flight from Kathmandu, a road trip to Siliguri, and then a connecting flight from Bagdogra to Dumdum. “We have been without electricity since the previous night and are keeping ourselves indoors. Our lives are at a standstill as we wait for normalcy to return,” he said.

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The fear is shared by others in West Bengal who have families in Nepal. Chandra Bhahadur Syangdah, a resident of Maheshtala, said, “Dussehra is a big festival, and there is Bhai Tika in our culture. We spend these months in Nepal. We are distressed and worried how to go there and how to ensure the safety of our family.”

While condemning the violence and murders, he said, “The government had to go. These leaders have totally finished Nepal. Corruption has killed the country, naturally there would be an outburst,” but added that he is critical of the “high death toll and hooliganism”.

A resident of Kolkata’s Minto Park, Gunja Shrestha said, “The protest was going on for a while and the youth had everyone’s support but after this government banned social media, the Gen Zs took things into their hands. What happened after that is definitely condemnable. We are constantly in touch on phone with our relatives there but what we have understood is that common people are staying indoors and are not being targeted.”

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As reports of deaths mount and the resignation of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli comes through, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu has issued emergency helpline numbers. India has also tightened security along the border with West Bengal as concerns for the safety of its nationals grow.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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