Rajak, the head of the camera and video division of Avenues Television, became trapped on an upper floor of the building when protesters rallying for the restoration of the monarchy in Nepal and in support of former king Gyanendra Shah set the structure alight. The building was targeted after police allegedly launched tear gas at the crowd from the top floor.

Rajak was streaming live and was accompanied by colleagues Paras Shrestha and Anil Rayamajhi, who were tasked with covering the demonstration. According to Rayamajhi, Rajak had entered the building along with other journalists after protestors opened the building’s shutter. The building was set alight from the first floor and Rajak remained in contact with the studio, however stopped responding as the other journalists were forced to move away from the structure.

According to República, Rajak’s colleagues reportedly pleaded with police to search for Rajak inside the burning building. Police allegedly showed little concern and maintained no one was inside the building. Rajak’s colleagues were also told it was not possible to call a fire truck at that time, and a rescue vehicle did not arrive until the number of protestors had diminished.

A body burned beyond recognition suspected to be the journalist was recovered by police on the fourth floor of the building, hours after Rajak was reported missing by Avenues Television, who announced his death on air.

Thousands of pro-royalist protestors had gathered in Kathmandu on March 28 demanding a return to the Hindu monarchy which was abolished in Nepal in 2008. Shah, the country’s last reigning monarch, was fined by Kathmandu’s civic body on March 29 following the destructive demonstrations in which another person was killed and at least 110 injured.

The IFJ’s affiliates in Nepal, the NPU and FNJ, condemned Rajak’s death in the highest terms, with the FNJ holding nationwide demonstrations on March 29 and launching a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident.

The FNJ said:“The FNJ is shocked by the news of Rajak’s death in such a violent act by pro-royalist protesters. The FNJ demands legal action against the perpetrators, calling on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this inhumane incident. The Union extends its heartfelt condolences and expresses its deepest sympathies to Rajak’s family.”

The NPU said:“The incidents of violent protests, the attack on The Annapurna Post, Kantipur Television, and other media, and threats against journalists are highly condemnable. The Nepal Press Union strongly opposes such actions against press freedom and any violent movements. We demand a thorough investigation of the incident, punishment for the perpetrators, and proper compensation for the victim’s family and affected media personnel.”

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The IFJ strongly condemns the tragic death of photojournalist Suresh Rajak while carrying out his duties. The recent trend in attacks, intimidation and threats to media workers in Nepal must cease, and the IFJ calls on the government to conduct a thorough investigation and take swift action to hold the perpetrators to account. The safety and security of journalists must not be compromised, and further measures to protect the welfare of working journalists must be enacted by the state, police, and local media.”