24 years since Narayanhiti Massacre: Mystery remains

KATHMANDU: Today marks the 24th memorial day of the massacre of former King Birendra Shah and his family at Narayanhiti Royal Palace.

On Friday, 19th Jestha 2058 BS, a royal banquet was underway at Narayanhiti Palace.

During the event, former King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya, Crown Prince Nirajan, Crown Princess Shruti, Birendra’s younger brother Gyanendra, and other members of the royal family including Shanti, Shraddha, Jayanti, and Shraddha’s husband Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah were killed in a shocking massacre.

At the time, Crown Prince Dipendra was found in a semi-conscious state and was declared king on 20th Jestha 2058 BS.

Due to his critical condition and hospitalization, then Prince Gyanendra was appointed as the acting king.

Following Dipendra’s death on 22nd Jestha 2058 BS, Gyanendra was officially declared king.

A two-member investigative committee, headed by then Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyay and Speaker Taranath Ranabhat, was appointed to probe the incident and submit a report.

While the committee concluded that Dipendra was responsible for the killings before committing suicide, this official account has been met with skepticism and rejection by many Nepalis.

To commemorate the royal family, special programs are being organized today

. The Yogi Narharinath Spiritual Council held a wreath-laying ceremony and memorial gathering at the statue of former King Birendra located in Jawalakhel.