Kathmandu, March 31
The Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor faced extensive damage amounting to Rs 8.33 million after a group of royalist protesters turned violent on March 28, vandalising property and looting goods.
According to the supermarket’s internal assessment, inventory losses were the most severe, with goods worth Rs 6.48 million either stolen or destroyed. Structural damage to the building was estimated at Rs 1.85 million, while freezers and display units sustained damages worth Rs 265,000. Additionally, Rs 94,000 in cash was reported stolen, bringing the total assessed loss to over Rs 8.33 million, CEO Panu Paudel confirmed.
Eyewitnesses reported that the protesters stormed the store, ransacking shelves and causing chaos. Videos circulating on social media show individuals grabbing items indiscriminately, while shattered glass and damaged store fixtures paint a scene of destruction.
Authorities have arrested several individuals linked to the looting, and investigations are ongoing. Police have secured court approval to extend the detention of the suspects as they work to identify others involved in the incident.
This incident marks one of the most significant cases of vandalism during recent royalist demonstrations, raising concerns over escalating unrest in the capital.
