Kathmandu: Nepal is reeling from a wave of anti-corruption protests that have turned increasingly violent, with the official death toll climbing to 51, authorities confirmed on Friday. The unrest, sparked by deep public frustration with corruption and fueled by a controversial social media ban, has shaken the Himalayan nation’s fragile political stability.

Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire reported that the fatalities include 21 demonstrators, nine prisoners, three security personnel, and 18 civilians caught in the clashes. The figures reflect the mounting cost of confrontations between protesters and state forces over the past weeks, which have engulfed major towns and rural districts alike.

The demonstrations initially erupted in response to a government move to restrict social media platforms, a decision critics denounced as an assault on free expression. Though the ban was later revoked following a nationwide outcry, by then anger had already spilled into the streets, tapping into years of frustration over graft and mismanagement in public life.

Human rights observers have voiced alarm over the state’s handling of the crisis. Reports indicate the use of heavy force by police and security forces, alongside widespread detentions of activists. Rights groups warn that the death toll could rise further if dialogue does not replace confrontation.

The government has pledged to investigate the violence, but critics argue that deeper reforms are needed to address systemic corruption. With public trust at a low point, Nepal now faces a critical test: whether its leaders can respond to popular grievances with accountability and reform, or risk plunging the nation into deeper turmoil.