The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the tragic death of 57-year-old Rajesh Gola, a resident of Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, who lost her life while attempting to escape a burning hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Rajesh Gola and her husband, Ramvir Singh Gola, had traveled to Nepal on September 7 and were staying at the Hyatt Regency in Kathmandu when violent anti-government “Gen Z” protests erupted across the country. On September 9, demonstrators reportedly set fire to the hotel, forcing guests to evacuate through windows as flames blocked escape routes.
Rescue workers placed mattresses on the ground and urged guests to jump. Both Rajesh and her husband leaped from a fourth-floor window. While Mr. Gola sustained minor injuries, Rajesh suffered critical injuries and later died in hospital.
Their son, Vishal, speaking to reporters, expressed grief and said, “She would have been alive if she had been with my father.”
The incident comes amid widespread unrest in Nepal, where at least 51 people have been killed and over 1,300 injured in protests sparked by a government ban on social media and allegations of corruption. Protesters have attacked government buildings, including parliament, and forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli earlier this week.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with local authorities to provide assistance to the family and facilitate the repatriation of the deceased’s remains.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Gola family in this time of grief,” said an MEA spokesperson. “We are in touch with Nepalese authorities to ensure the safe return of Mr. Gola and the expeditious completion of necessary formalities.”