How Mobs and Collective Frenzy Converge to Shape the Politics of Revenge in Nepal

On 9 September 2025, frenzied mobs set on fire private residences and government quarters of Nepal’s senior mainstream political leaders. Properties and goods from their houses were stolen. Ministry buildings and courts were burnt. Businesses and marts of those who had close ties with influential political leaders were vandalised, looted, and incinerated. Police stations were reduced to rubble, and police personnel were chased down and killed. The security forces appeared defenceless facing the violence unleashed by the mob. Elected leaders went underground in fear. The people had no options for complaints and redressal about what they were witnessing. While the helplessness of the Nepali State was laid bare to the entire world, a brand-new narrative was concurrently being written: Nepal underwent a youth-led revolution that eliminated the ‘corrupt’ and ‘ineffective’ leaders.