As smoke filled the stairways, Ramvir broke a window and tied bedsheets and curtains to create a makeshift rope. Rescue teams below placed mattresses to cushion jumps, but in the panic, Rajesh slipped while climbing down and fell, suffering severe spinal injuries and heavy bleeding. She was rushed to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital but succumbed to her wounds en route or shortly after arrival. Ramvir managed to jump to safety with minor injuries and was later treated at the same hospital. Their son Vishal, back in Ghaziabad, shared the horror, saying his parents had video-called him happily after temple prayers on September 8, unaware of the tragedy ahead. For two days, the family had no contact due to disrupted communications, adding to their agony.
Broader Chaos from Gen Z Protests in Kathmandu
The incident occurred amid Nepal's worst unrest in years, with Gen Z protesters demanding an end to corruption and the lifting of social media restrictions. Starting on September 8, 2025, the demonstrations turned violent, leading to the storming of parliament, arson at government buildings like Singha Durbar, and attacks on luxury sites including the Hilton and Hyatt hotels. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned on September 9 amid the chaos, which has claimed at least 51 lives and injured over 1,300 people as of September 12, 2025. The army took control, imposing curfews and patrolling streets, but black smoke still rose from damaged sites in Kathmandu. Protesters distanced themselves from the violence, blaming infiltrators, but the unrest exposed deep frustrations over inequality in one of the world's poorest countries.
Indian Tourists Stranded and Rescue Efforts Underway
The violence has stranded hundreds of Indian tourists and pilgrims in Kathmandu and other areas like Pokhara. Over 400 Indians were affected, with flights canceled and borders tense. Groups from states like Madhya Pradesh (14 from Chhatarpur), Andhra Pradesh (over 30 Telugu pilgrims), Odisha (23 rescued), and Uttar Pradesh faced shortages of food and safety fears. A bus carrying Andhra pilgrims was attacked near Kathmandu on September 12, injuring several before army intervention. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu faced criticism for slow response, with families alleging minimal help as even the embassy was unsafe. However, efforts are intensifying: special flights evacuated 22 Telugu nationals, charter planes brought others to Nepalgunj for Indigo connections, and states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra coordinated with the central government. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav of Madhya Pradesh assured safe returns, while Odisha successfully rescued 23 via special initiatives. As of September 12, 2025, some tourists crossed borders like Sonauli on foot or by road, but many remain trapped amid ongoing curfews.
A Call for Better Safety and Support
This heartbreaking event at the Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu on September 9, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the risks for travelers during political turmoil. Rajesh Gola's death has sparked calls for improved emergency protocols and faster embassy aid for Indians abroad. As Nepal works toward an interim government, with talks involving the army and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, families hope for quick stabilization. The incident not only mourns a loss but urges better safeguards for pilgrims visiting sacred sites like Pashupatinath.