By Emeka Chiaghanam
The Narayanhiti Palace, once the proud residence of the Nepalese monarchy, now stands as a haunting museum, bearing witness to the most controversial event in modern royal history. The Nepali royal massacre, which unfolded on 1 June 2001, sent shockwaves through the nation, claiming the lives of nine members of the royal family, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya.
Following the abdication of the
king and the establishment of a republic, the Narayanhiti Palace underwent a
transformative shift, from a symbol of royalty to a museum encapsulating a
bygone era.
The tragic event unfolded
during a gathering of the royal family, as Crown Prince Dipendra, according to
a government-appointed inquiry team, turned a festive occasion into a
nightmare. The massacre, marked by a mass shooting, left Dipendra comatose
after a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Despite the coma, Dipendra was
declared King of Nepal after his father's death, only to succumb to his
injuries three days later. The throne passed to Birendra's brother, Gyanendra,
amidst lingering questions about the circumstances of that fateful night.
The motive behind Dipendra's
alleged actions remains elusive, giving rise to various theories. From a desire
to marry Devyani Rana, met in the United Kingdom, to concerns about Indian
influence and discontent with the shift from absolute to constitutional
monarchy, the controversy deepened. The royal family's objection to Dipendra's
choice of a bride added layers of complexity, raising questions about class and
tradition.
The aftermath of the massacre
was clouded by unresolved questions, including the apparent lack of security at
the event, the absence of Prince Gyanendra, Dipendra's self-inflicted head
wound at odds with his right-handedness, and the limited scope of the subsequent
two-week investigation.
The following day saw the Royal
Family receiving a state funeral, their cremation held in front of the revered
Pashupatinath Temple. Dipendra, posthumously declared king, died on 4 June
2001. Gyanendra, appointed regent, eventually ascended the throne.
Gyanendra's initial claim of an
"accidental discharge of an automatic weapon" within the royal palace
stirred controversy. However, a full investigation, conducted by Chief Justice
Keshav Prasad Upadhaya and Speaker of the House Taranath Ranabhat, concluded
that Dipendra was responsible. The findings faced skepticism both within Nepal
and internationally.
The Nepali royal massacre
became a catalyst for political turmoil, exacerbating the existing Maoist
insurgency. Gyanendra's ascension witnessed a decline in the monarchy's
popularity, with some viewing the massacre as the turning point that eventually
led to the monarchy's abolition in 2006.
A Hindu katto ceremony on 12
June 2001, symbolically exorcising the spirit of the late king, marked a
poignant moment as a priest, Durga Prasad Sapkota, dressed as Birendra, rode an
elephant out of Kathmandu into symbolic exile.
Conspiracy theories, fueled by
the circumstances surrounding the massacre, persist. Eyewitness accounts and
public statements, including claims of individuals wearing masks resembling
Crown Prince Dipendra, add layers of complexity. Allegations of external
involvement by Indian and American intelligence agencies further contribute to
the intrigue.
Despite the passage of time,
claims ranging from a broken ventilator to poisoned water supply and milk
continue to circulate in Nepalese media. Accusations against Gyanendra,
claiming his involvement to assume the throne, remain unproven.
The Nepali royal massacre
remains an indelible chapter in Nepal's history, marked by tragedy, unanswered
questions, and enduring conspiracy theories. As the nation moves forward, the
unresolved mysteries serve as a stark reminder of a dark period that left an
indelible impact on the political and cultural landscape.
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