Nepal ex-king Gyanendra Shah fined for vandalism as pro-Monarchy turmoil hits Kathmandu

As Kathmandu grapples with unrest following violent clashes led by pro-monarchy supporters of former Nepalese King Gyanendra Shah, the Mayor has fined Shah for widespread vandalism and destruction of public property in the capital.

Mayor Balendra Shah issued a formal demand for compensation after the March 28 violent demonstrations, which left two dead and over a hundred injured in the capital. Tensions erupted across parts of Kathmandu as pro-monarchy demonstrators, rallying behind Shah’s call for reinstating the monarchy, clashed with security forces.

Protesters pelted stones, attacked a political party’s office, torched vehicles, and looted shops in the Tinkune-Baneshwor area, triggering chaos in the city. The clashes prompted authorities to impose a curfew in parts of the capital city, including the most affected places — Teen Gunay, Sena Mangal, Gowshala, and Baneshwar.

In response to the damages, the mayor dispatched a letter (accessed by Education Post) to Shah demanding 7,93,000 Nepali rupees as compensation. He accused the former monarch of instigating protests that destroyed municipal property and caused environmental harm.

He also provided a detailed breakdown of the fine imposed on Shah, which includes ₹6 lakh for garbage disposal, ₹40,000 for damage to the railing, and ₹23,000 for obstructing traffic and damaging a fire vehicle.

The protests were spearheaded by Durga Prasai, a key pro-monarchy figure who had met Gyanendra a day earlier to receive directives for the agitation.

Demonstrators have been actively rallying since February’s Democracy Day, emboldened by Gyanendra’s statement: "Time has come for us to assume responsibility to protect the country and bring about national unity."

The recent surge in monarchist activism comes amid growing concerns from civil society leaders, who have strongly criticized Gyanendra’s political re-engagement.

In a joint statement on March 24, eight prominent figures warned that his actions "subvert the nation-building efforts of his ancestors and risk weakening Nepal on the global stage."

With tensions escalating, the fine imposed on the former king underscores the government's firm stance against political unrest and damage to public property.

However, whether the former King complies with the penalty or continues his push for monarchy remains a pressing question in Nepal’s evolving political landscape.