But many Nepalese refuse to believe the murders were the act of one man alone. Conspiracy theories are rife, and the palace massacre is feeding a growing Maoist revolution amongst the poor and dispossessed in the villages of Nepal. Whatever the truth behind the killings, one thing is clear: the Nepalese people have lost their faith in the monarchy, with many now placing their trust in the hands of the Maoists. Since the murders in June 2001, their has been a marked surge in rebel violence. Democracy has only existed in Nepal for a decade, and has seen ten different governments and six Prime Ministers. As hopes of a cease-fire fade, the future of this already shaky democracy looks increasingly uncertain. Whatever the truth behind the killings, it is clear that the Nepalese have lost their faith in the monarchy, with many now placing their trust in Maoist hands. The future looks increasingly uncertain for this already shaky democracy.

Produced by ABC Australia