Share and Follow
In Brief
- Nepal’s former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested over last year’s gen Z protests.
- Police are investigating whether Oli was negligent in failing to prevent dozens of deaths.
Nepal’s former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been detained in connection with their alleged roles in a fatal crackdown on protesters last September.
The police are currently investigating if Oli was negligent in failing to prevent the loss of lives during the Gen Z protests. These demonstrations initially erupted over a short-lived social media ban but quickly expanded to express deep-seated frustrations over economic difficulties.
This development follows the release of a report by a Nepali investigative panel this week, which examined the violence during the anti-corruption rallies. The panel has recommended prosecuting the 74-year-old Oli for his inability to halt the violent crackdown on the protestors.
The report clarifies that there was no concrete evidence of a direct order to open fire, yet it highlights that no measures were taken to prevent or control the shooting. The negligent actions led to the tragic loss of lives, including those of minors.
During two days of chaos, 76 individuals lost their lives, prompting Oli’s resignation. The unrest saw government buildings, including the supreme court and ministers’ homes, set on fire, with tensions only easing after Oli was forced to step down.
Police spokesman Om Adhikari said both Oli and Lekhak were being detained at the Kathmandu Police Office and would be produced before the court on Sunday, a working day in Nepal.
“We have arrested them as per the recommendations made by the investigation commission,” he said.
Oli, 74 and who has had two kidney transplants in the past, was subsequently transferred to a hospital from the police office, witnesses said.
His lawyer Tikaram Bhattarai said the arrest was unwarranted.
“They have said [the arrest] is for investigation. It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning,” he said.
Lekhak and his lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment.
The detentions come a day after Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet were sworn in after the first elections since the 2025 uprising that toppled Oli’s government.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.