Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amid Nepal's worst unrest in decades, as public anger mounts over the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters in clashes with police on Monday.
On Tuesday, crowds set fire to parliament in the capital Kathmandu, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Government buildings and the houses of political leaders were attacked around the country.
Three more deaths were reported on Tuesday. Amid the chaos, jail officials said 900 inmates managed to escape from two prisons in Nepal's western districts.
The demonstrations were triggered by a ban on social media platforms. It was lifted on Monday - but by then protests had swelled into a mass movement.
Nepal's army chief issued a statement late on Tuesday accusing demonstrators of taking advantage of the current crisis by damaging, looting and setting fire to public and private property.
While the prime minister has stepped down, it's not clear who will replace him - or what happens next, with seemingly no-one in charge. Some leaders, including ministers, have reportedly taken refuge with the security forces.
Inside parliament, there were jubilant scenes as hundreds of protesters danced and chanted slogans around a fire at the entrance to the building, many holding Nepal's flag. Some entered inside, where all the windows had been smashed. Graffiti and anti-government messages were painted on the exterior.
Corruption has been a long-term issue in Nepal, with citizens demanding accountability and transparency. The protests were further fueled by a campaign highlighting the luxurious lifestyles of politicians' children, aggravating public frustration.
Last week, the government's order to block 26 social media platforms sparked outrage, as platforms like Instagram and Facebook play a significant role in Nepalis' daily lives. The government justified its ban in the name of tackling fake news, but many viewed it as a direct attack on free speech.
Despite the lifting of the ban, protests escalated, culminating in extensive violence and the targeting of government institutions. As the country grapples with leadership uncertainty, the path forward remains unclear, though calls for change continue to resonate among the country's youth.
