Woman Attempts Self-Immolation Near Boudha Gate

Kathmandu. A woman running a snack shop near Boudha Gate in Kathmandu Metropolitan City Ward No. 6 attempted self-immolation. On July 20, at 2:50 PM, her husband saw 27-year-old Salu Gurung burning and extinguished the fire, taking her to the hospital. After initial treatment at Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital in Sankhu, she was referred to the Burn Hospital in Kirtipur. Gurung is currently undergoing treatment in Kirtipur. Dr. Kiran Shakya, Director of Kirtipur Burn Hospital, stated that Gurung sustained approximately 33 percent burns on her face and other parts. The Boudha Police Circle is investigating the incident. Gurung, originally from Temal Rural Municipality Ward No. 3 in Kavre, was living with her husband in Makalbari, Gokarneshwor Municipality-8. Gurung had a dispute with her husband. District Police Range Kathmandu SP Pawan Bhattarai told Ratopati that the investigation revealed the dispute between the couple was the reason for her self-immolation attempt. He said, 'The reason for her self-immolation attempt appears to be a dispute between the couple.' The dispute escalated after her husband went out to watch the Football World Cup and did not return home all night. Following the escalation of the dispute, she went to the parking lot of the snack shop and set herself on fire by pouring petrol on her body. Her face, chest, and both hands are burnt.

Since July 10, there have been 4 self-immolation incidents in Kathmandu alone. Ganesh Nepali, who attempted self-immolation on July 10 in front of the Department of Passports in Tripureshwor, died during treatment. Ganesh, 25, from Jawaldhara, Soru Rural Municipality Ward No. 1 in Mugu, attempted self-immolation following a dispute with security personnel of the Kathmandu Metropolitan Police Force over a parking issue. An agreement has been reached between the local administration and Ganesh's family to form an independent investigation committee headed by a former judge to investigate the facts and impartially. On July 12, 45-year-old Ashwin Raut self-immolated in Buddhanagar. He set himself on fire in the kitchen of his own house. He died during treatment at Bir Hospital.