Kathmandu, March 28: In a dramatic political development, Nepal’s newly formed government has arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with a culpable homicide-related case linked to the suppression of Gen Z protests that resulted in multiple deaths.
The arrests come shortly after Balendra Shah assumed office and convened his first Cabinet meeting on Friday. During the meeting, the government decided to implement the findings of a High-Level Inquiry Commission that investigated the crackdown on the protests. The commission recommended criminal proceedings against Oli, Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.
According to police officials, both leaders were taken into custody early Saturday morning after courts issued arrest warrants. Oli was arrested from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, while Lekhak was detained from Suryabinayak, also in Bhaktapur. Authorities confirmed that the arrests were carried out in accordance with the commission’s recommendations.
Police stated that the accused will remain in custody until Sunday, as Saturday is a public holiday in Nepal and courts remain closed.
The inquiry commission, headed by former Special Court chairperson Gauri Bahadur Karki, has recommended charges under Sections 181 and 182 of Nepal’s National Penal Code. These provisions relate to criminal negligence and could result in up to 10 years of imprisonment if the आरोप are proven in court.
The report also calls for action against several senior officials, including then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, current Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former National Investigation Department head Hutaraj Thapa, and then Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal.
Responding to his arrest, Oli termed the move “retaliatory” and said he would challenge it legally. Former Attorney General Ramesh Badal and senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai are expected to represent him.
Lekhak also alleged political bias, stating he would fight the case both legally and politically.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung clarified that the arrests were not driven by vengeance but aimed at ensuring accountability for the deaths during the protests.
