New Delhi: New protests erupted in Nepal following the death of a ride-sharing driver in an encounter with the municipal police of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. The incident has led to widespread anger with demonstrators demanding accountability from the city administration and asking how municipal authorities enforce the law.
The protests have also revived scrutiny of Nepal prime minister, Balendra “Balen” Shah, with critics questioning the performance of Kathmandu’s municipal police during his tenure as mayor. Shah was elected mayor of Kathmandu as an independent in 2022 before becoming Nepal’s prime minister in 2026 but many who once saw him as a symbol of political change are now criticising him.
What triggered the protests?
The protests began after the death of 25-year-old ride-sharing driver Ganesh Nepali. According to The Kathmandu Post, municipal police locked the wheel of his motorcycle while he was waiting for a passenger outside the passport office in Kathmandu.
The situation soon turned tragic when Nepali allegedly set himself on fire during the confrontation. He later died from his injuries. The incident became known throughout Nepal and drew protests and public outrage.
Why is Balen Shah being criticized?
Although municipal police officers were directly involved in the incident, many protesters believe the responsibility extends beyond the officers on the ground. They say the municipal police took a more aggressive enforcement posture during Balen Shah’s tenure as Kathmandu mayor.
Shah won the Kathmandu mayoral election in 2022 as an independent candidate, defeating candidates from Nepal’s major political parties and emerging as one of the country’s most popular young political leaders.
What are protesters demanding?
Protesters are demanding accountability for the death of the driver and asking Kathmandu Metropolitan City to review the powers and functions of its municipal police. They say the force should work within the limits of its mandate and not go beyond its authority.
Many activists say the problem is bigger than one incident. The tragedy, they say, has highlighted wider worries over accountability and are demanding safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Why has the municipal police been controversial?
The municipal police of Kathmandu have been in the limelight in recent years for their tough action against street vendors, illegal parking and encroachments. Videos of officers clearing roadside stalls, seizing goods and clashing with vendors have frequently gone viral on social media.
Critics also argue that municipal police have exceeded their legal mandate. According to legal experts, they are not authorized to physically assault civilians, detain people or conduct crowd-control operations, and such powers rest with Nepal Police.
How has the issue turned political?
The latest protests have taken on political significance, reviving debate over Balen Shah’s record as mayor of Kathmandu. Protesters say leaders should also be held accountable for the institutions and systems they created while in office. The protests also underscore the high expectations for independent politicians. Today many of those asking Shah questions are young voters who backed him in 2022 as a break from Nepal’s traditional political parties.
How is this different from the previous Gen Z protests?
Nepal’s earlier major Gen Z protests were mostly directed at the federal government led by KP Sharma Oli. Young protesters had taken to the streets over issues including corruption, unemployment, poor governance and frustration with the country’s traditional political parties.
The current protests are different because they centre on the functioning of Kathmandu’s municipal administration and the conduct of its police force. While the focus is on an incident that occurred under the city’s local administration, the debate has now expanded to include Balen Shah’s leadership and the legacy of his tenure as mayor.