NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — A 57-year-old woman from Uttar Pradesh died while trying to escape a burning hotel in Kathmandu as violent protests swept Nepal this week. The woman, identified as Rajesh Gola from Ghaziabad, was staying at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Nepal’s capital with her husband, Ramvir Singh Gola. The couple traveled to Kathmandu on Sept. 7, just as nationwide unrest began escalating.
On Sept. 9, protesters set fire to the luxury hotel as anti-government demonstrations intensified. Thick smoke and flames quickly spread, trapping guests inside. Rescue workers placed mattresses on the ground outside and urged guests to jump from windows to save their lives.
Rajesh and her husband jumped from the fourth floor. While her husband survived with minor injuries, she suffered critical wounds. Doctors at a local hospital were unable to save her, according to local reports. Their son, Vishal, told reporters that his mother became separated from his father during the escape. “She would have been alive if she had been with my father,” he said.
The hotel fire was part of a larger wave of unrest that has rocked Nepal in recent days. At least 51 people have been killed and more than 1,300 injured during anti-government protests that turned violent.
Most deaths occurred on Monday when police cracked down on demonstrators across the country. Security forces opened fire on protesters who had rallied against corruption and government restrictions on social media. On Tuesday, the unrest escalated further. Crowds set fire to Nepal’s parliament building and attacked the homes of several ministers. By evening, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned under mounting pressure.
The protests have been driven largely by young Nepalis from Generation Z, who mobilized through TikTok, Instagram, and other platforms. Online posts showing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children sparked outrage among citizens already angry about corruption and inequality.
What began as small gatherings quickly grew into a nationwide movement. Protesters targeted symbols of power, including government buildings, hotels, and private homes. The demonstrations have drawn comparisons to other youth-led movements across the world that used social media to challenge established governments.
With Oli stepping down, Nepal faces a deep political crisis. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is expected to be named interim prime minister to stabilize the government. Karki, who is widely respected for her independence, could help restore calm in the short term.
However, analysts say the anger fueling the protests will not disappear quickly. The crackdown, along with widespread destruction, has left deep scars. Public trust in political leaders has fallen to new lows. The death of Rajesh Gola has sent shockwaves through her hometown in Ghaziabad. Friends and neighbors described her as a devoted mother and wife. Her family has urged Indian authorities to ensure the safety of other citizens currently in Nepal.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet issued a formal advisory, but officials said they are monitoring the situation closely. Thousands of Indians travel to Nepal each year for tourism, business, and religious purposes. For Rajesh Gola’s family, the tragedy underscores the human cost of political turmoil. A trip that began as a vacation ended in heartbreak.
