Mohan Sardar, a 40-year-old construction worker from ward 14 of Itahari, was killed by police fire on September 8 during the Gen Z protests.

He had spent years supporting his family through daily wage labour. When the income was not enough, his wife left for foreign employment.

She returned only a few months ago, and the small savings she brought back had recently been used for repairing their house.

On the day of the protests, Sardar had been working at a road construction site in Itahari-4. He was on his way home through Bhetghat Chowk when clashes broke out between protesters and police.

Locals say the crowd turned in his direction, and police opened fire. A bullet struck him in the back. He was rushed to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan but was declared dead on arrival.

His family, who recognised him only after four days, is now left in deep mourning. “He was the only earning member. We do not know how we will run the household,” a relative said.

Sardar leaves behind his wife and two young daughters, whose education and future are now uncertain.

His death adds to the rising toll of the Gen Z protests, which have claimed the lives of many ordinary citizens caught in the violence.