Identities Exposed in Arson Attacks on National Property During Gen-Z Movement

The identities of individuals involved in vandalism and arson targeting national properties during the ongoing Gen-Z protests have begun to surface. Viral videos show not only youths but also senior political activists taking part in the violent incidents.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025 (24 Bhadra 2082)—just a day after the Gen-Z movement intensified—several key state structures including the Parliament Building, Singha Durbar, Office of the President, and Supreme Court were set on fire. Surprisingly, most of those leading the destruction were not young protesters (aged 13–28), but older participants.

Masked individuals were captured on video vandalizing and setting fire to public and private properties. Looting also spread in multiple locations, with some protesters even carrying sharp weapons.

Political Leaders and Activists Under Scrutiny

• Kailash Katuwal, youth leader of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, appeared in a viral video celebrating inside Singha Durbar, claiming the protest’s “success.” While denying involvement in arson, he admitted to supporting the Gen-Z movement.
• Bishnu Dhungel, a Maoist-aligned youth leader and former Free Student Union president at Nepal Law Campus, was seen outside the Supreme Court encouraging protesters, stating: “We should not spare the corrupt in the Supreme Court. Our next attack is here!” Shortly after, vandalism and fire broke out in the court premises. His remarks have drawn widespread criticism.
• Chetan Sapkota, a Maoist-affiliated musician, was photographed aggressively gesturing with the national flag during the fire at Singha Durbar. He has denied inciting violence, saying he only stopped looters at the site.

Social Media Influencers in Spotlight

• Popular TikToker Manoj KC (466,000 followers) posted a video wrapped in Nepal’s national flag in front of the burning Parliament, verbally attacking former PM KP Sharma Oli while shouting: “Whose victory is this? The people’s!”
• Folk singer Sushmita Kshetri filmed herself outside the burning Presidential Palace, shouting “Finally, the President’s Office is gone!” and posted it on TikTok.
• YouTuber Bhagya Nyaupane went viral after urging crowds to storm Nakkhu Prison to release Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane, who was jailed in a cooperative fraud case. Soon after, protesters broke into the prison, freed Lamichhane, and set the facility on fire, endangering 1,284 inmates. Lamichhane later returned on Saturday after police issued a public notice.

Nyaupane also filmed other provocative videos that day, including claims about gold seizures and mocking the burning of Hilton Hotel, allegedly linked to Sher Bahadur Deuba’s family.

Media Houses and Businesses Targeted

• A viral video showed Krishna Bahadur Tamang, assistant secretary of Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Bhaktapur committee, celebrating after setting fire to Kantipur Television’s office.
• Protesters later stormed Kantipur Media Group’s headquarters at Thapathali Business Park, breaking through an Armed Police Force security cordon and torching the premises, which hosts dozens of corporate offices.
• Videos circulating online also show mobs inciting violence against Bhatbhateni Supermarket and several private residences.

Nepal Police has confirmed that investigations are underway into individuals linked to arson, looting, and destruction of public and private property.

Police Public Appeal

In an official statement, Nepal Police requested public support:

“We appeal to citizens to share photos, videos, or social media links related to the violent incidents, arson, looting, and fear-mongering that occurred on September 8 and 9 (23–24 Bhadra) across Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the country.”