KATHMANDU — 2001 · Major Tragedy

Nepalese Royal Massacre

ClosedSources: BLast updated: 14 October 2026

On the night of 1 June 2001, shooting at a family gathering in Kathmandu's Narayanhiti Royal Palace killed nine members of the royal family, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya. The official inquiry committee reported on 14 June 2001 that Crown Prince Dipendra had opened fire and then shot himself. Critically wounded, Dipendra was proclaimed king while in a coma and died three days later. Birendra's brother Gyanendra took the throne. Despite the official account, the event fuelled conspiracy theories for years and became a key turning point on the road to the monarchy's abolition in 2008.

Date
2001
Place
Bagmati, Nepal, Kathmandu, NP
Category
Major Tragedy
Case Status
Closed
Coordinates
27.7150, 85.3187 ↗

Timeline of Events

  1. 1 June 2001Nine royal family members were killed at Narayanhiti Palace.
  2. 4 June 2001The comatose crown prince died; Gyanendra became king.
  1. 14 June 2001The inquiry report held the crown prince responsible.
  2. 2008Nepal abolished the monarchy.

Sources

Source grade B: at least one verifiable linked source. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.

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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.