Nepal’s political crisis boiled over on Tuesday as furious protesters stormed and set fire to the country’s parliament building in Kathmandu, sending plumes of black smoke into the Himalayan capital’s skyline.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as demonstrators smashed windows, hurled stones at police, and torched sections of the federal parliament complex. Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in a desperate attempt to regain control, but crowds continued to surge through barricades.

The blaze was brought under control after several hours, though parts of the chamber and adjoining offices were left gutted. No lawmakers were inside the building at the time, but officials confirmed multiple injuries among police and protesters.

The unrest was sparked by growing anger over soaring inflation, allegations of corruption, and a controversial bill opponents say undermines democratic freedoms. Protest leaders accused Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government of “betraying the people’s mandate” and vowed to escalate demonstrations until the bill is withdrawn.

International observers expressed alarm. The United Nations called for restraint, urging Nepal’s leaders to “protect democratic institutions and uphold the right to peaceful protest”. Neighbouring India said it was monitoring the situation closely.

For many Nepalis, the attack on parliament marks the most violent expression of discontent since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Analysts warn that if the government fails to defuse tensions, the crisis could push the fragile democracy towards deeper instability.