KATHMANDU: It has been more than a week since the royalist-led protest at Tinkune, Kathmandu on March 28, yet many of the injured—some of whom were shot without involvement in the demonstration—are still recovering in hospitals across the valley.
The protest, incited by royalist figures Nawaraj Subedi and Durga Prasai, escalated after they broke through a restricted zone, leading to a violent clash with security forces.
According to police statistics, the violence resulted in the deaths of journalist Suresh Rajak and transport worker Sabin Maharjan, while 128 people, including police personnel, were injured. Among them, 20 individuals suffered gunshot wounds—many of whom were young men and women unrelated to the protest.
Among the seriously injured are siblings Dinesh and Rebecca Khatri, who were shot near Koteshwor while trying to enter their room. Dinesh has since been discharged, but Rebecca remains in the Intensive Care Unit at Civil Hospital with a bullet injury to her thigh that has prolonged her recovery.
Another person shot in the incident was Raj Kumar Karki.
“We thought the injury was minor at first,” Karki said, “but X-rays showed shrapnel had entered both my hands. I was admitted to KMC Hospital and underwent surgery to remove it.”
While Karki is nearing discharge, he remains uncertain about how long full recovery will take. “I regret coming out that day, thinking it would be a peaceful gathering,” he said from his hospital bed.
Six gunshot victims, including Karki, were treated at KMC Hospital. Four have been discharged, while Karki and one other remain under care. Rebecca, who is also a mother, continues to receive treatment in the ICU with no immediate family nearby to support her.
Free treatment—but concerns remain
The government had pledged free medical treatment for all those injured during the protest. Patients at both KMC and Civil Hospitals confirmed that treatment has indeed been free after admission. However, some initially had to cover costs themselves.
Karki, one of the injured undergoing treatments at KMC, noted that although there were initial expenses before he was admitted, all current treatment, including surgery and medication, has been covered.
Dinesh confirmed that Rebecca’s treatment at Civil Hospital has also been cost-free since admission. “They’ve said the expenses we initially paid will be refunded,” he added, “but we haven’t received anything yet.”
As families wait for recovery and clarity on reimbursement, the incident has sparked growing concerns over the disproportionate use of force and the need for accountability in crowd control during protests.
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