Rs 470 million claimed in damages from royalist protest

KATHMANDU: Following the violent royalist demonstrations on Chaitra 15 (March 28), an estimated Rs 469 million (Rs 46.90 crore) in damages has been claimed, according to the Nepal Police.

The destruction included government and private vehicles, buildings, offices, and other infrastructure.

Insurance Claims and Gaps

Of the total claimed damages, only Rs 45.96 million worth of insurance claims have been submitted so far, meaning over Rs 420 million in damages remain uninsured. Many victims, like Ravindra Ojha of SignTech Nepal, are uncertain about compensation despite filing complaints. Ojha reported losses of Rs 30.79 million due to stolen equipment and destroyed data.

Property and Vehicle Damage

Police reported that 56 properties were vandalized or set on fire, including 15 private homes, 37 private institutions (e.g., two media houses, four banks, two hospitals, a school, and party offices), two police offices, and one industry. This caused Rs 399.2 million in damages.

A total of 69 vehicles were damaged—63 four-wheelers and 6 two-wheelers—including those of the Nepal Police (7), other government offices (10), and private owners (18). Vehicle damage alone amounted to Rs 68.7 million.

Eight CCTV systems worth Rs 1.07 million were also destroyed.

Compensation Process and Legal Provisions

While some insurance payouts have begun—Rs 3.33 million by April 16—many victims have not received any compensation.

The Insurance Board reports 50 claims: 22 private vehicles, 21 properties, and others under engineering, public, and miscellaneous categories. Companies like Siddhartha Premier and Shikhar Insurance have made partial payments.

According to Kathmandu’s Chief District Officer Rishiram Tiwari, those with insurance may receive compensation through their insurer. Others may receive government aid depending on decisions at federal, provincial, or local levels. However, in general, damages are recovered from the accused parties after a court ruling, as per Section 73 of the Criminal Code 2074.

Uninsured Victims and Delays

Many affected businesses lacked insurance. Shanti Auto Pvt. Ltd. reported damage to 8 second-hand vehicles not fully insured. Herbal Production & Processing Co. Ltd. faced estimated damages of Rs 280 million, mostly uninsured.

Fatalities and Government Relief

Two people died during the protests. The Cabinet has approved Rs 1 million each in relief to their families, though payments are pending.