People cling to rope as Nepalese army chopper carries out extractions amid violent protest

A dramatic video from Nepal has gone viral on social media, which shows unidentified individuals clinging to a rope attached to an army helicopter as it carried out extractions over a Kathmandu hotel.

The video was widely circulated on various platforms today (11 September). However, it was confirmed when the incident happened.

The incident, during which "ministers and their family members" were reportedly hanging on to the rope, took place when the helicopter was airlifting people while smoke billowed in the background and people on the ground screamed at the chopper, reports Hindustan Times.

The Business Standard could not independently verify the authenticity of the footage.

The chaos first unfolded on 9 September when tens of thousands of demonstrators, largely from the "Gen Z" movement, stormed Kathmandu in protest.

Rioters vandalised the homes of government leaders and set fire to various government buildings, including the parliament, Supreme Court, the residences of the president and the prime minister, and the Congress Party office, creating scenes of widespread destruction.

The unrest was sparked by the government's sudden decision to briefly ban social media platforms, a move that amplified existing public frustration over corruption allegations.

As violence escalated, now-ousted prime minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli announced his resignation.

President Ram Chandra Poudel accepted the decision, appointing him caretaker until a new leader is chosen. However, uncertainty surrounds both his authority and his whereabouts amid the turmoil.