Balen Denies Singha Durbar Fire Allegations, Urges Public to Avoid Rumors

Kathmandu: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) has denied allegations that he allowed the Singha Durbar complex to burn. In a Facebook video posted Tuesday evening, lasting two minutes and sixteen seconds, Balen dismissed the accusations as completely baseless.

Addressing claims such as “Where was the Kathmandu Metropolitan City fire brigade when Singha Durbar was burning?”, “Did they just watch for three days?”, and “Balen Shah is the one who burned Singha Durbar!”, he presented a detailed response backed by facts. His statement, about 1,000 words long, was aimed at those spreading false rumors online.

Balen said the country was in total chaos until 8 p.m. on 9 September, with no functioning government or security mechanism in place. Despite that, he said the Kathmandu Metropolitan City did not back away from its local responsibilities.

“From Singha Durbar to private homes, commercial buildings, and public property, there was fire everywhere,” he said. “There was no government, no police, no security mechanism. Even movement was impossible, yet our team worked day and night to extinguish fires, treat the injured, manage logistics, provide food and medicine, collect data on destroyed properties, and coordinate with various stakeholders.”

According to him, although the city’s fire brigade tried to reach Singha Durbar immediately, protesters blocked their way. Even the Nepal Army’s fire unit inside Singha Durbar could not operate due to the crowd. The city fire brigade finally reached the site around 8:15 p.m. on 9 September, once the situation eased.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City operates five fire engines, two each in New Road and Balaju, and one in Ramhiti. Balen explained that during the incidents on 8 and 9 September, fires had broken out across the country, including in Kathmandu and Singha Durbar. He said the city’s fire units were deployed more than 55 times between 7 and 12 September, working continuously to contain fires across different areas.

“Dear parents, brothers, and sisters, it’s natural to have fears and questions,” Balen said. “But beware of those who spread rumors without facts or data. Such people only create fear and confusion and demoralize those working day and night. I also request media friends—please verify facts before publishing. The people deserve accurate information.”

He added that his team has been risking their lives to manage the crisis and asked for respect for their efforts. “At least look at those who are putting out fires, treating the injured, and helping the sick with respect,” he said. “We will continue to serve the people and manage emergencies responsibly. Let’s seek truth, not rumors. The country needs unity and honesty, not lies.”

 

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