Kathmandu: At least a dozen outlets of Bhatbhateni Supermarket, Nepal’s largest retail chain, have been completely destroyed after protesters set them on fire during this week’s escalating demonstrations.
On Monday, clashes erupted after security forces used force against Gen Z-led demonstrations, leaving 19 people dead. The following day, Tuesday, the protests intensified, turning into widespread unrest across the country.
As demonstrations escalated, public property in major cities was torched, leaving widespread destruction. Fires continued to burn at several sites, including government institutions — the executive, legislature, and judiciary — well into Wednesday.
Uncontrolled mobs also targeted private businesses, with Bhatbhateni Supermarket and Chaudhary Group among the most affected. According to Bhatbhateni Managing Director Min Bahadur Gurung, the chain has suffered severe damage, with 11 outlets and its central warehouse completely destroyed.
Stores in Biratmod, Damak, Biratnagar, and Dharan in Koshi Province were among those gutted, Gurung said. In addition, outlets in Hetauda, Pokhara, and Bharatpur were completely destroyed.
Outside the Kathmandu Valley, seven Bhatbhateni outlets have been burned beyond repair, with both goods and entire buildings reduced to rubble.
Within the Valley, the main warehouse in Baluwatar, the oldest store in Tangal, and outlets in Maharajgunj, Koteshwor, and Boudha-Chucchepati were also reported to be completely destroyed.
“Almost all our stores across the country have been looted or vandalized. Eleven of them are damaged to the point where the buildings themselves will have to be rebuilt,” Gurung said.
The extent of financial loss remains unclear. “Just the Tangal store alone had stock worth 600–700 million rupees. Each store carries huge inventories, all of which have been destroyed. The buildings at the fire-hit outlets will have to be rebuilt from scratch,” Gurung added.
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