Kathmandu, Nepal The wave of violent protests rocking Nepal took a dangerous turn on Tuesday when demonstrators stormed the private residence of Arzu Rana Deuba, a senior government minister and wife of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. The mob reportedly attempted to attack members of her family, underscoring the escalating anger directed at the country’s political elite.

Eyewitnesses said hundreds of protesters, many of them young people, surrounded Deuba’s residence in Kathmandu, chanting slogans against corruption and the government’s decision to ban social media platforms. Security forces quickly intervened, firing tear gas and using batons to disperse the crowd before they could cause further damage. Several injuries were reported on both sides.

The protests, which began last week, were initially triggered by the government’s decision to block access to social media platforms, a move officials defended as necessary to curb misinformation and unrest. However, the ban was widely perceived as an attack on freedom of expression, sparking outrage among Nepal’s youth, who rely heavily on digital platforms for communication and activism.

Public anger has also been fueled by longstanding allegations of corruption within the ruling establishment. Protesters accuse senior politicians, including Deuba and her associates, of enriching themselves while ordinary citizens face rising unemployment and inflation.

“This is not just about social media. This is about years of corruption and betrayal. They have silenced our voices and stolen our future,” said one protester outside the parliament building earlier in the day.

The government lifted the social media ban earlier on Tuesday following nationwide demonstrations that left at least 19 people dead and hundreds injured. Yet the concessions appear to have done little to calm the unrest, with protesters demanding sweeping reforms and accountability from those in power.

Police officials said additional security has been deployed around the homes of key ministers to prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, human rights groups have urged the government to avoid excessive force against protesters and to open dialogue with civil society leaders.

Nepal now faces one of its most volatile political crises in recent years, with critics warning that the unrest could destabilize the fragile democracy if leaders fail to address the grievances of the people.