Political leaders have called for a thorough investigation and legal action against those responsible for the violent incidents in Tinkune, Kathmandu, on Friday, during a royalist protest. The attacks, which included arson, vandalism, and looting, targeted both public and private properties.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, former prime minister and chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre), demanded that the government conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and bring the culprits to justice. After inspecting the damage at the office of the CPN (Unified Socialist Party), Dahal condemned the violence and called for punishment for all involved in anti-social activities. He also urged the government to review and strengthen security arrangements, stressing the importance of a serious assessment of the weaknesses in the current security system.

Meanwhile, Madhav Kumar Nepal, former prime minister and chair of the Unified Socialist Party, raised concerns about the possibility that security forces had failed to follow the orders of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak during the unrest. Nepal questioned whether security personnel had neglected their duties in handling the violent protests, suggesting that timely intervention might have prevented further destruction.

The royalist protesters caused widespread damage in several areas of Kathmandu, including Tinkune, Koteshwar, and Jadibuti. They set fire to both private and public properties, including the office of the Unified Socialist Party. Despite notifying the police, leaders claimed that the authorities did not respond promptly to the escalating situation. In addition to the property damage, one protester and one journalist lost their lives in the violence.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) also condemned the violence and called for the establishment of a high-level judicial commission to ensure justice for the victims. The party demanded immediate legal action against the perpetrators and a comprehensive investigation into the events at Tinkune, Koteshwar, and Jadhibuti.

As the protests escalated, the police struggled to maintain control, and one vehicle belonging to RSP’s chief whip Santosh Pariyar was also set on fire.