Protesters chase and assault Nepal’s Finance Minister in Kathmandu

Protests in Nepal have taken a violent turn as Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel was chased and physically assaulted by demonstrators in Kathmandu on Tuesday.

A video circulating on social media shows the 65-year-old minister running for safety while dozens of protesters pursue him. At one point, a young protester lunges from the opposite direction and delivers a forceful kick, causing Paudel to lose his balance and fall against a wall. Despite the attack, the minister quickly regained his footing and continued running.

The unrest follows widespread protests led by the Gen-Z, demanding the lifting of a social media ban and government action against corruption. The protests began Monday, resulting in clashes with security forces that left at least 19 protesters dead and hundreds injured.

On Tuesday, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s residence was set on fire. Meanwhile, protesters chased Finance Minister Paudel through Kathmandu’s streets. A viral video shows Paudel running as dozens of protesters pursue him, with one demonstrator kicking him, causing him to fall against a wall. The minister quickly recovered and continued running.

Authorities reported multiple groups ignoring a curfew imposed to control the unrest. Police spokesperson Shekhar Khanal said protests and incidents of arson and violence persisted across various parts of the city.

Despite Prime Minister Oli’s resignation and the lifting of the social media ban, protesters continue to demand the entire government step down, signaling ongoing political instability in Nepal.