Tragic Loss: Indian Woman Dies in Nepal Hotel Fire Amid Protests

Kathmandu: A 55-year-old woman from Ghaziabad, Rajesh Devi Gola, lost her life in a devastating incident during violent protests in Nepal’s capital, according to ANI. The unrest, which erupted on September 9, 2025, led to rioters setting fire to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where Rajesh and her husband, Ramveer Singh Gola, were staying during a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple.

The couple, hailing from Master Colony in Ghaziabad, arrived in Kathmandu on September 7 for a spiritual trip. As protests against a social media ban escalated into widespread violence, the hotel became a target. Trapped on the fourth floor, Rajesh and Ramveer attempted to escape the flames by leaping from their room. Rajesh fell while using makeshift ropes, sustaining fatal injuries, while Ramveer suffered injuries but survived, later receiving treatment at a relief camp.

The protests, initially sparked by a short-lived social media restriction, grew into a broader movement against corruption and nepotism, culminating in the resignation of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on September 9, as reported by ANI citing Khabarhub. Demonstrators set fire to government buildings, including Singha Durbar, and targeted politicians’ homes, creating chaos that led to the closure of Kathmandu’s airport. The Indian Embassy issued an advisory urging nationals to stay indoors and provided emergency contact numbers.

Rajesh’s body was transported back to Ghaziabad, with assistance from the local administration and the Indian Embassy, as confirmed by ANI. Her son, Vishal, expressed frustration over the lack of support from the embassy during the crisis. Meanwhile, the Ghaziabad administration, led by ADM Saurabh Bhatt, coordinated efforts to support the family, ensuring communication with districts along the Nepal border.
The incident marks the first reported Indian casualty in the ongoing Nepal unrest, highlighting the dangers faced by tourists amid the violent demonstrations.