The Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwor incurred losses worth Rs 8.03 million due to vandalism and looting during the violent pro-monarchy demonstrations last Friday.
In a Facebook post , Binod Bhandari, Regional Operation Manager of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, detailed the extent of the damage, stating that stocks worth Rs 6.49 million were destroyed or stolen, while the building sustained damage worth Rs 1.18 million. Additionally, freezers and display showcases suffered losses of Rs 265,000, and Rs 94,000 in cash was looted.
Read: Deaths, Arson, Vandalism and Looting
Videos circulating on social media show alleged demonstrators raiding the supermarket as lawlessness engulfed the area following the protests. The demonstrations spiraled out of control, leading to the deaths of two people, including a TV journalist, and injuries to dozens as protesters torched and destroyed public and private property, accusing police of using excessive force to disperse them.
A curfew was imposed to restore order, but the unrest left behind a trail of destruction. In Jadibuti, alleged demonstrators set fire to the building of Herbs Production and Processing Company Ltd., while several media offices and vehicles were also targeted.
Eyewitnesses reported several groups of alleged pro-monarchy protesters first pelted stones at Bhatbhateni, damaging the building and nearby vehicles, before forcefully breaking in and looting goods.
Authorities have urged the public to share videos and photos to assist in identifying those responsible. The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has already arrested several individuals involved in the destruction and looting at Bhatbhateni.
Bhatbhateni Supermarket has filed an insurance claim to cover the losses.
Min Bahadur Gurung, the owner of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, is widely known for his close ties with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Last October, Gurung sparked controversy after ‘gifting’ 10 ropani and 14 aana of land in Kirtipur Municipality-2, Kathmandu, to the CPN (UML) for the construction of its party headquarters. The controversial move prompted the Supreme Court, later that month, to issue an interlocutory interim order, barring the party from proceeding with the construction.
In the wake of last Friday’s violent pro-monarchy demonstrations, some observers speculate that Gurung’s political connections may have made Bhatbhateni Supermarket a target for pro-monarchy protesters.
In response to Friday’s unrest, authorities have arrested dozens pro-monarchy protesters and leaders, accusing them of inciting violence. Among those detained are Rabindra Mishra, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and General Secretary Dhawal Shumsher Rana, who were presented in court on Sunday. The court has permitted their detention for five days for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Nawaraj Subedi, the chief coordinator of the Royalist Movement, has been placed under house arrest. Subedi, however, has been replaced by Jagman Gurung, former Vice-Chancellor of Nepal Academy.
Police, however, are yet to locate Durga Prasai, the ‘Commander’ of Friday’s protests.
