KATHMANDU: The Janakpur Bolts' triumph in the Nepal Premier League's (NPL) first season has been clouded by claims that their fans were verbally and physically attacked outside the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground. 

Political officials, civic society, and the Madhesi community have all widely condemned the attacks, which were said to have had racial and communal overtones.  

The attacks happened following Janakpur Bolts' NPL title-winning victory over Sudurpaschim Royals. As they left the stadium, supporters—many of whom were Madhesi—were targeted.  

Several supporters needed medical care at Bir Hospital, and one supporter reportedly had fractures of both arms. According to the victims, they were attacked because of their ethnic appearance and were called names like "dhoti."

Gagan Thapa, the general secretary of the Nepali Congress, called the incidents "deeply saddening" and called for the government to take quick action. "There is no excuse that these actions are acceptable. He emphasized the necessity for legal accountability by saying, "No ifs, no buts."  

The Janamat Party's chair, Dr. CK Raut, denounced state institutions for sustaining systematic racism and voiced his outrage over the attacks. He called out the police for their inaction during the attacks, describing them as "silent spectators" as Janakpur supporters were thrashed.

Raut further urged the government to respond swiftly and forcefully against those responsible for the violence. He brought attention to the fundamental racism that the Madhesi people faces, which he feels is made worse by structural problems in Nepal's government and society.

The Madhesi Commission also condemned the attacks as discriminatory and detrimental to national unity. In order to eliminate communal biases, the Commission underlined the necessity of social transformation and requested that the government take legal action against those responsible.

In his speech, Raut reiterated that the Madhesi community continues to struggle for dignity and equality. He urged Madhesi youth to be politically aware and united, stating that "Rights and self-respect will not come free; it must be fought for."

These opinions were supported by the Madhesi Commission, which declared that prejudice against the Madhesi people seriously jeopardizes social harmony in Nepal. They demanded that the government deal with these prejudices and guarantee that every citizen is treated equally.  

Although there are still concerns about the police's response during the attacks, the victims have formally complained to the Kirtipur Police Circle.

Many have called for immediate reforms to address the systematic biases that still impact vulnerable populations, and the occurrences have spurred a broader conversation about racial and communal discrimination in Nepal.