Court sends Councilor Mahesh Sharma to 6-day police custody in extortion case
The so-called "Gen-Z" movement has entered its fourth consecutive day in Nepal, keeping the nation in a state of turmoil. The widespread protests have not yet subsided, prompting authorities to maintain a state of high alert. As a result, curfews and prohibitory orders remain in effect on all major roads and cities across the country, creating significant disruptions and security challenges for both locals and foreigners.
Due to the persistent unrest, a complete ban has been imposed on the entry of foreign nationals into Nepal through all routes from India via Bihar. This has severely impacted cross-border movement, particularly at the Raxaul border in East Champaran. Authorities have issued a special advisory, allowing entry to only those Nepalese citizens returning from India or other countries who are critically ill or facing an emergency. They are being granted passage only after a thorough check by the Nepal Armed Border Force and Army officials.
The continued violence and restrictions have had a major impact on a significant number of people. According to reliable sources, over three lakh Indian nationals are currently stranded in various parts of Nepal. These individuals, many of whom had traveled to the country for tourism or to visit relatives, are now unable to return home due to the volatile conditions. The situation remains a major humanitarian concern, with no clear timeline for when normal travel will resume.
Adding a shocking new layer to the crisis, a significant recovery of cash and gold was made from a secret tunnel at the Kathmandu residence of former Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The discovery was made after protesters had earlier set fire to his house, leaving notes in four rooms burnt. Upon investigation, a tunnel-like cellar was found underneath the house, which had remained inaccessible to the protesters during the initial attack. The tunnel was found to be filled with sacks of hidden wealth.
The discovery has further fueled public outrage, as news of the massive recovery spread rapidly. Soon after the information was made public, a large crowd of locals gathered around Deuba's residence, expressing anger and disbelief. Security forces had to be deployed to take charge of the situation and control the agitated mob, which was once again threatening to turn violent.
The revelation of the hidden wealth has transformed the protests, which began as a movement against a social media ban and corruption, into a more focused public reckoning with the nation's political elite. The discovery at the former Prime Minister's residence serves as a powerful symbol of the alleged corruption that the protestors are fighting against, lending a new, more tangible dimension to their demands for justice and accountability.