16th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a joint statement, Nepal’s prominent business houses, Shanker Group and its affiliate Infinity Holdings, have strongly denied any political association with the Gen Z movement leader, Sudan Gurung, or his organization “Hami Nepal.”
No Links to Sudan Gurung
This clarification comes in the wake of widespread rumors and misinformation that linked the conglomerates to the protests which resulted in the near-total destruction of the five-star Hilton Kathmandu Hotel. The companies condemned the unverified reports, stating they were fabricated and published without fact-checking. The joint statement serves a dual purpose: to mourn the tragic loss of the hotel and to address the baseless claims that may have fueled animosity toward their property.
Addressing the Rumors of Political Ties
The controversy began when online outlets and social media platforms started circulating posts that claimed a political connection between Shanker Group, Infinity Holdings, and the Gen Z movement’s leadership. In their joint statement, the companies meticulously clarified the nature of their past interaction with Sudan Gurung’s organization. They explained that their only engagement was a brief partnership with Hami Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaboration was a one-time Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to provide humanitarian aid, including medical support and food distribution, to those affected by the pandemic. The companies emphasized that this partnership was conducted with full transparency, publicly documented through press releases and even acknowledged by Hami Nepal on its official website, which had used the companies’ logos with permission. The statement was emphatic in its denial of any political or ongoing relationship with Gurung or his group, stressing that since the pandemic collaboration, there has been “no cooperation, no contact, and no political connection.” This clear and concise denial aims to dispel the rumors and correct the record, asserting that their business interests and philanthropic efforts are separate from any political affiliations.
The Destruction of Hilton Kathmandu: A Major Economic Blow
The destruction of the Hilton Kathmandu Hotel is not just a loss for Shanker Group and Infinity Holdings, but a significant blow to Nepal’s entire hospitality and tourism sector. The hotel, operated under the Jagdamba Hospitality banner, was a symbol of Nepal’s growing ambition to attract high-end, international tourism. On September 9, 2025 (Bhadra 24, 2082), protesters stormed the property, vandalized the interiors, and set it ablaze. Preliminary assessments have deemed the building structurally unsalvageable, and management has estimated the total losses to be in the billions of Nepali rupees. The Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) has separately estimated the total loss to the hotel industry nationwide to be over NPR 25 billion, with the Hilton alone suffering damages exceeding NPR 8 billion. This is a particularly devastating statistic, as the hotel was reportedly insured for only NPR 5 billion. The destruction of such a landmark is a profound blow to the country’s image as a safe and stable travel destination, potentially deterring future foreign direct investment (FDI) at a time when Nepal is working to revive its economy after the pandemic.
The economic impact extends far beyond the hotel’s physical structure. The destruction has jeopardized hundreds of direct jobs and countless more in related supply chains, including local farmers, suppliers, and tour operators. The incident sends a chilling message to the international community, raising concerns about the security of large-scale investments in Nepal. The leaders of Infinity Holdings and Shanker Group expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a tragedy not just for their companies but for “all Nepalis who take pride in world-class projects built with domestic effort and capital.”
A Vow to Rebuild and a Call for Responsible Reporting
Despite the immense devastation, the leaders of both companies, Deepak Bhatt and Sahil Agrawal, have vowed to rebuild. In their statement, they conveyed a message of resilience, stating, “Our hard work and dreams have turned to ashes, but we have not lost hope. We will rebuild and continue to invest for the benefit of Nepal and its people.” This unwavering commitment is a powerful signal of their long-term belief in Nepal’s economic potential. Their public rejection of political ties is also a strategic move to regain public trust and to ensure that future projects are not targeted by malicious rumors. They explicitly urged the Nepali media to verify facts before publication, noting that “no outlet approached us for comment before circulating baseless claims.” This highlights the real economic consequences of unverified reporting, which can contribute to social unrest and hinder much-needed investment. By continuing to invest and rebuild, the companies hope to set an example and reassure foreign partners and lenders that Nepal remains a viable and attractive market for investment. The statement concludes with a tribute to those who lost their lives during the protests, reinforcing a message of shared grief and a collective desire for peace and stability.
For More: No Links to Sudan Gurung