Dil Narayan Tamang, a 42-year-old labourer from ward 7 of Temal Rural Municipality in Kavre, was shot dead in New Baneshwar on September 8 during the Gen Z protests.

Dil Narayan, who lived in Patan with his wife Maya, 44, and their two sons, aged 15 and 13, was known for following political developments and attending demonstrations despite not being affiliated with any political party.

Maya Tamang said she received a phone call from Everest Hospital around 3pm on the fateful day informing her that her husband had been admitted after being shot.

The caller, a nurse, asked about her relationship to Dil Narayan and then instructed her to come immediately. Maya, who was working in an office in Patan at the time, ran to the hospital due to a citywide curfew. “I thought he had only a minor injury,” she said. “But when I arrived, his body was lying there, drenched in blood.”

Doctors at Everest Hospital confirmed that Dil Narayan had been shot in the chest. The bullet entered from the left shoulder and struck his chest, and he was declared dead upon arrival.

Dil Narayan worked primarily in construction, building houses in Kathmandu and Patan. When work was unavailable in the city, he often returned to his village in Kavre to help his parents with farming. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two brothers—one living in Kathmandu and the other abroad—and a sister.

The couple followed news about the country closely and often discussed the state of politics and society. Despite her warnings on the day of the protest, he left home to attend the demonstration, believing in the need for change.

She said he had told her he was prepared to risk his life for the country and often expressed that citizens must act to improve the nation.

His elder brother, Milan, said Dil Narayan had visited the village a week before the protests and spoke about wanting to see change in the country. He described Dil Narayan as a man committed to his community and country, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. The family expects the government to recognise his contribution officially.

His death is among several reported during the Gen Z protests, which have seen clashes between demonstrators and security forces in various parts of the capital. Authorities have not yet released a detailed statement on the circumstances of his shooting.