Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has resigned amid Nepal's worst unrest in decades, as public anger mounts over the deaths of 19 anti-corruption protesters in clashes with police on Monday.
On Tuesday, crowds set fire to parliament in the capital Kathmandu, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky. Government buildings and the houses of political leaders were attacked around the country.
Three more deaths were reported on Tuesday, and jail officials said 900 inmates managed to escape from two prisons in Nepal's western districts.
The demonstrations were triggered by a ban on social media platforms, which was lifted on Monday. However, by that time, protests had swelled into a mass movement.
Nepal's army chief issued a statement late on Tuesday accusing demonstrators of taking advantage of the current crisis by damaging, looting, and setting fire to public and private property.
It said if unrest continued, all security institutions, including the Nepal Army, are committed to taking control of the situation, effective from 22:00 local time (16:15 GMT; 17:15 BST).
While the prime minister has stepped down, it's unclear who will replace him - or what happens next, with seemingly no one in charge. Some leaders, including ministers, have reportedly taken refuge with the security forces.
So far, the protesters have not articulated specific demands apart from a general call against corruption. The protests appear spontaneous, lacking organized leadership.
Scenes inside parliament were jubilant as hundreds of protesters danced and chanted slogans around a fire at the entrance to the building, many holding Nepal's flag.
Corruption has long plagued the nation, and a young protester expressed hope for positive change: It has happened now, and we are more than happy to witness this and fight for this. I hope this change will bring something that is positive to us.
Authorities had previously blocked access to 26 social media platforms, igniting outrage among the populace, particularly the younger generation.
Despite the sudden lifting of the ban, protests persisted, and on Tuesday, crowds torched the headquarters of the Nepali Congress Party and the house of its leader, Sher Bahadur Deuba, as well as KP Oli's house.
Oli stated he resigned to pave the way for a constitutional solution, noting in his letter to President Ramchandra Paudel that he aimed to facilitate a political resolution to the situation.
