Nepal is in turmoil following the tragic death of former First Lady Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar. She died after being trapped inside her home, which was set ablaze during violent protests against a government move to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.

The protests erupted last week, leading to widespread unrest across the country. According to family members, Mrs Chitrakar was rushed to Kirtipur Burn Hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival. Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire.

The protests have escalated into a broader expression of discontent with the government. At least 19 people have lost their lives, and many more have sustained injuries in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The government has deployed water cannons, batons, and rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowds.

While the controversial social media ban has since been lifted, the protests have evolved to reflect deeper grievances against the authorities. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing demonstrations highlighting the public's frustration with governance in Nepal.