Protesters in Nepal set fire to PM’s residence and parliament building

Protesters have set fire to the residence of outgoing Nepali Prime Minister Sharma Oli, Reuters reports, citing Oli’s aide.

Television visuals showed protesters barging into the compound and ransacking the property – shattering windows, and breaking pots, chairs and other furniture – before setting the structure on fire. Security forces, appearing to be outnumbered, watched from a few metres away.

Video footage circulating on social media showed former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana, foreign minister under Oli, being attacked by protesters.

Reuters could not verify the authenticity of the videos.

Witnesses said the Singha Durbar area, which houses the Prime Minister’s Office and other ministries as well as Parliament House, was set on fire.