KATHMANDU: Dinesh Kumar Khatri and his sister Rebika Khatri, who were not involved in the pro-monarchy protests, were tragically shot near their room in Koteshwor last Friday.
The protest, which had started in Tinkune, spread to Koteshwor, where the two innocent siblings were caught in the violence.
Rebika Khatri, who was shot during the clash between protesters and police on Friday afternoon, is currently fighting for her life at the Civil Hospital, New Baneswor.
Dinesh Kumar Khatri, 24, originally from Udayapur, and his sister Rebika were victims of the violence, despite having no connection to the protests.
Many others, including more than a dozen innocent bystanders, were also injured or shot during the protests.
On the afternoon (March 28, 2025) of the incident, Rebika, 22, was returning to Koteshwor from the Jadibuti area when she saw police officers on the road.
Panicked by the sight of the police with guns, she immediately called her brother Dinesh, who was in his room. Dinesh rushed out to meet her.
After Rebika collapsed from the gunshot wound, he called for an ambulance. However, the protests on the streets caused significant delays, and it took nearly two hours before the ambulance finally arrived to take them to the hospital.
Their room was located near SOS Balgram, across from the Bhatbhateni Superstore in Koteshwor, which had been looted by protesters.
As Dinesh went to get his sister, they both walked toward the inner alley from the main road. Just as they were about to enter their room, tragedy struck – both siblings were shot.
Neither of them had participated in the protest, nor were they involved in the looting or stone-throwing. Dinesh had only come to help his panicked sister and was walking her to safety when they were shot.
Dinesh later explained, “We didn’t know where the shots came from; we only heard the sound.”
They had heard gunfire from the police after protesters had looted Bhatbhateni and attempted to set it on fire.
“We were just trying to get back to the room when I was shot first,” Dinesh recalled. “I didn’t even realize I had been hit until I saw my sister bleeding.”
Rebika was shot in the right thigh, causing significant injury. Despite his own injury, Dinesh rushed his sister to a nearby clinic for treatment.
“I think I was shot first, and the same bullet hit my sister,” Dinesh said, uncertain about the exact circumstances. “But we don’t know the full truth.”
Rebika is currently in critical condition in the ICU of Civil Hospital. Initially placed on a ventilator, she was transferred to the ICU on Monday after four days of intensive care. The hospital has restricted visits to her due to the severity of her condition.
Dinesh had been preparing to go to Australia to pursue a master’s degree.
All his preparations were in place, and he had even planned to throw a party for his friends. But instead of making his way to Australia, Dinesh found himself in a hospital bed after being shot.
Although Dinesh’s condition is stable, with no major surgery required, his sister’s situation is critical.
“The flesh in her thigh is damaged, and the nerves have been pierced,” he said. “I only have a bullet wound in my flesh. At first, I didn’t even realize I had been shot. But seeing my sister in pain scared me.”
“We’ve managed to pay for the treatment so far, but now it’s getting difficult,” Dinesh said. “I don’t know how many more days my sister will need to stay here.”
After Rebika collapsed from the gunshot wound, he called for an ambulance. However, the protests on the streets caused significant delays, and it took nearly two hours before the ambulance finally arrived to take them to the hospital.
So far, no one has helped with their treatment. “We were told the government would provide free treatment for everyone, but we haven’t received any help so far. We are managing everything on our own,” Dinesh said.
“There’s been no talk of treatment support, except for inquiries from the police and the administration.”
Rebika’s family is also financially struggling. “We are farmers from the village. How can we afford treatment?” said Tulsi, mother of Rebika.
“Relatives have come to visit, and we are relying on their help to cover the costs. We haven’t even calculated all the expenses yet.”
By Monday, they had managed to cover the treatment costs, but it is still unclear how long Rebika will need to stay in the hospital.
“We’ve managed to pay for the treatment so far, but now it’s getting difficult,” Dinesh said. “I don’t know how many more days my sister will need to stay here.”
Comment