After viral appeal, India rescues volleyball team stranded in Nepal

A volleyball team stranded in Nepal has been rescued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu after violent protests erupted across the country. Sources told India Today that the embassy has been in constant touch with the team and arranged their safe transfer to a secure location. Government officials took swift action after an appeal made by TV presenter Upasana Gill, who turned to social media for help.

Upasana, who had travelled to Nepal to host a volleyball league, put up a detailed video about how the players needed to be rescued from a hotel in Pokhara amid intensifying protests. After receiving her plea, the embassy quickly stepped in and moved the affected individuals to a safe house in Kathmandu. Most of the team members have now returned to India, while arrangements are underway for the rest to be brought back.

The protests in Nepal began earlier this week in response to a government-imposed ban on social media, but quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations against corruption and nepotism. The unrest eventually led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Upasana Gill described a harrowing escape from a violent mob that targeted her hotel in Pokhara.

“My name is Upasana Gill, and I am sending this video to Praful Garg. I request the Indian Embassy to please help us. All those who can help, please help. I am stranded here in Pokhara, Nepal,” she said in her video appeal.

She went on to describe the attack:

“I had come here to host a volleyball league. The hotel I was staying in has been burned down. All my luggage and belongings were in my room. I was in the spa when people came running with large sticks. I barely managed to escape with my life.”

The Indian Embassy has since issued emergency helpline numbers, and its control room in Kathmandu is coordinating support for stranded Indian nationals across Nepal.

The death toll from the ongoing Gen-Z protests in Nepal has risen to 51, according to Nepal Police. Officials confirmed that one of the deceased is an Indian woman, while three police personnel have also lost their lives in the violence that has spread across the country.