Electrical Equipment Damaged
21st September 2025, Kathmandu
A protest by Gen-Z demonstrators in Birgunj has resulted in an estimated Rs. 10 million in electrical equipment damaged at the local Internal Revenue Office.
Electrical Equipment Damaged
The protests, which involved vandalism and arson on Bhadra 24, caused extensive destruction to the office’s computers, printers, and other electronic devices. This incident highlights the significant financial and operational impact of such events on public institutions.
Arson and Vandalism Lead to Huge Losses
The damage was not limited to computers. According to Information Officer Rameshwarkumar Mishra, the arson also affected various rooms within the office building.
The most severe damage occurred in the tax collection branch, which suffered the loss of crucial equipment. Mishra confirmed that protestors not only burned but also looted computers and printers, intensifying the total loss.
The coordinated nature of the attack points to a deliberate effort to disrupt the office’s operations.
Ground Floor Hit Hardest
The ground floor of the office building bore the brunt of the attack. One room was completely destroyed by fire, and most other ground-floor structures suffered significant damage.
The extensive destruction has brought the office’s operations to a standstill, affecting critical tax collection and administrative services. This kind of widespread damage will require considerable time and resources to repair, delaying essential public services.
The Broader Impact on Public Services
The destruction of public property, especially government offices like the Internal Revenue Office, has far-reaching consequences. It not only leads to financial losses but also disrupts essential public services.
Tax collection, a backbone of government functions, is now hampered, which could impact local development projects and service delivery.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how civil unrest can directly affect the daily lives of citizens by crippling government infrastructure.
A Call for Repair and Security Enhancements
Authorities are now facing the daunting task of assessing the full extent of the damage and initiating repair work. The focus is on restoring critical systems to resume tax collection and other services as quickly as possible.
This event also raises questions about the security of public buildings. Officials may need to consider implementing stricter security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident underscores the need for proactive security protocols to protect vital government assets from vandalism and arson.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Resilience
The Internal Revenue Office in Birgunj is now on the path to recovery. While the immediate financial losses are significant, the long-term impact on public trust and service delivery is also a concern.
Restoring the office’s full functionality will be a slow process, but it is a necessary step toward ensuring the continuity of government operations.
The community and authorities must work together to rebuild and reinforce the infrastructure that serves the public.
The incident is a wake-up call for improved civic engagement and a renewed focus on peaceful resolution of grievances to protect shared public assets.
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