Public Anger Grows After Ganesh Nepali’s Death, Youths Call For Accountability
The death of 25-year-old Ganesh Nepali after a self-immolation attempt has triggered a youth-led protest at Maitighar Mandala, where demonstrators demanded justice and a full investigation. The case has drawn wider attention to the pressures faced by low-income workers and the conduct of public authorities during enforcement actions.
Young demonstrators gathered at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu on Friday following the death of 25-year-old ride-sharing worker Ganesh Nepali, who suffered severe burns after setting himself on fire near the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor on Thursday. Protesters said the tragedy should not be treated as an isolated incident and demanded that the government investigate the actions of the officials present, identify any wrongdoing, and explain why the confrontation escalated to such a devastating outcome.
Nepali, who was originally from Mugu, had been supporting his family through ride-sharing work in the Kathmandu Valley. The incident reportedly began after municipal officers placed a wheel lock on his motorcycle over a parking-related issue. A dispute followed, and the situation quickly became critical when he used fuel from the motorcycle and set himself alight.
People nearby and security personnel reportedly tried to put out the flames before he was taken to Bir Hospital. Doctors treated him for extensive burn injuries, but his condition remained serious, and he later died during treatment.
His death has created strong public anger because many people see the case as a reflection of the daily hardship faced by workers who depend on motorcycles and ride-sharing platforms for income. Questions have also been raised about whether municipal enforcement teams handled the situation with enough care and whether the confrontation could have been prevented.
During the Maitighar protest, participants criticised the government and Kathmandu’s leadership, carried placards demanding justice, and called for punishment if any official is found responsible. They also urged authorities to make the investigation public and introduce reforms so that future enforcement actions do not place vulnerable citizens under extreme pressure.
The case is now being examined by police, and municipal personnel linked to the incident have reportedly been questioned. Until the investigation is completed, the central public demand remains clear: authorities must establish what happened, who was responsible, and what changes are needed to prevent another tragedy.
Published 2 hours ago in Society