KATHMANDU: The health condition of Rabilaxmi Chitrakar, wife of senior leader and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, is gradually improving after she sustained serious injuries when her house was set on fire during the recent Gen-Z protests, doctors said on Tuesday.
Chitrakar is undergoing treatment at the intensive care unit (ICU) of Kirtipur Hospital, which specializes in burn injuries.
“She is in a better state compared to when she was first admitted. We are doing everything possible,” said burn specialist Dr. Kiran Nakarmi, who is leading her treatment team. According to him, surgery on her left hand is scheduled for today, with further procedures to follow depending on her progress.
Khanal confirmed that doctors are focusing on treating injuries to her lungs and left hand. “During the fire, toxic gases entered her lungs, creating complications. She also suffered severe burns on her left hand,” he said.
He explained that anesthesia for surgery was complicated due to damage in the lungs caused by inhaled smoke and gases.
Expressing deep concern, the former prime minister said the fire was a planned attack on his wife, who had spent her career in academia. He also lamented that some domestic and international media had mistakenly published inaccurate reports about the incident.
“I strongly condemn such criminal and inhumane acts. Those involved must face the harshest punishment,” Khanal said, adding that evidence of vandalism, arson, and looting at his residence has begun to surface and would soon be made public.
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