Fire and Looting at Bhatbhateni: 21 Outlets Affected

Amid the nationwide ‘Gen-Z’ movement, major private businesses have also become targets of violent attacks. The Bhatbhateni Supermarket chain, which operates across Kathmandu Valley and other major cities, has suffered heavy damage, with 21 outlets affected by looting, vandalism, and arson.

According to Chief Operating Officer (COO) Panu Paudel, 12 outlets have been completely destroyed by fire. Inside the Valley, the branches in Tangal, Maharajgunj, Boudha, Koteshwor, and the Baluwatar warehouse were burned down. Outside the Valley, branches in Pokhara, Chitwan, Hetauda, Birtamod, Damak, Biratnagar, and Bara were also reduced to ashes. “Protesters looted goods first and then set the outlets on fire,” Paudel said.

In nine other branches — including Janakpur, Butwal, Dhangadhi, Itahari, and Bhairahawa — buildings were vandalized and inventories looted. Videos of protesters carrying away goods have gone viral on social media. Although some locals tried to stop them, the crowds could not be contained.

Paudel confirmed that seven outlets remained safe. These include branches in Tokha, Satdobato, Anamnagar, Sanagaun, Bidur, Patan (Krishi outlet), and the United World Trade Center. The Nepalgunj branch also escaped damage.

With 21 branches affected, hundreds of employees have been directly impacted. Items ranging from food and clothing to footwear, electronics, and even billing machines were stolen. In some places, campaigns have already begun to return looted goods.

Some individuals involved in the looting and arson were detained by the army and local residents. However, Paudel said the total loss cannot yet be calculated and that it may take two to four weeks to finalize damage assessments.