KMC Imposes Rs 793,000 Fine on Former King for Protest-Induced Pollution and Damage

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has imposed a fine of Rs 793,000 on former King Gyanendra Shah for environmental pollution and damage to public property during the pro-monarchy demonstrations on Friday, March 28.  

In official letters dated the same day and addressed to the former king, KMC levied a fine of Rs 100,000 each for littering roads and footpaths in Tinkune, Koteshwar, Balkumari, Jadibuti, Sinamangal, and Mahadevsthan areas.  

Additionally, a fine of Rs 130,000 was imposed for damage to the city’s fire truck, which had responded to a fire at a building in Tinkune. 

The former king has also been fined Rs 40,000 for the damage to trees, plants, and railings in Tinkune, and Rs 23,000 for vandalism in the same area.   

Read: Deaths, Arson, Vandalism and Looting

The demonstrations in support of the monarchy spiraled into violent clashes, leaving two people dead and over three dozen injured. Among the deceased were protester Sabin Maharjan of Kirtipur and Suresh Rajak, a cameraman for Avenues Television, who perished in the Tinkune building fire, allegedly set by protesters. Demonstrators claimed security forces had been using the building to fire tear gas at them.  

Read: Journalists Demand an Impartial Investigation into the Death of Suresh Rajak

Widely circulated footage on social media showed acts of arson, vandalism, and looting. Protesters set fire to multiple buildings, including the CPN (Unified Socialist) party office and the Herbs Production and Processing Company Ltd. in Jadibuti, while several vehicles were also torched. Media offices were among the targets of the violence.  

Read: FNCCI and FENIE Condemn Tinkune Violence

Videos that went viral further depicted alleged demonstrators looting goods from Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Koteshwar.  

This is not the first time KMC has penalized political entities for pollution-related offenses. Previously, the CPN (UML) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party were each fined Rs 100,000 for littering during their events. But, CPN (UML) is yet to pay the fine.

This news is updated to add the last line.