Nepal’s new government has moved swiftly against its predecessors, arresting former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak over a culpable homicide case tied to the crackdown on Gen Z protests in September 2025, in which 77 people were killed. The action has triggered swift political reactions across Nepal.
The action follows the first Cabinet meeting led by newly sworn-in Prime Minister Balendra Shah, which cleared the implementation of a high-level probe report into the protest violence. The panel had called for criminal proceedings against Oli, Lekhak and former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, marking a sharp political shift in Kathmandu.
Arrests follow probe panel’s recommendations
Police picked up both leaders early on Saturday after courts issued arrest warrants. Oli was detained from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, while Lekhak was taken into custody from Suryabinayak in the same district, Senior Superintendent of Police Prabin Dhital said, according to IANS.
Officials said the arrests were carried out strictly on the basis of the commission’s findings. Since Saturday is a public holiday in Nepal, both men will remain in custody until court proceedings resume on Sunday.
Soon after the arrest, Oli’s party CPN-UML called an emergency secretariat meeting, with senior leaders gathering to discuss the situation. The move underscored the immediate political churn triggered by the development.
Adding to the pushback, party leader Raghuji Panta questioned the basis of the action. “The investigation committee report itself doesn’t have enough grounds for the arrest. It is prepared with an intention,” he said.
Visuals also showed Oli being brought out of the District Police Range in Kathmandu and taken to a hospital for a medical check-up after his detention.
The inquiry panel, headed by former Special Court chairperson Gauri Bahadur Karki, has recommended charges under Sections 181 and 182 of Nepal’s National Penal Code, dealing with criminal negligence. A conviction could bring a jail term of up to 10 years.
The report also names several senior officials, including then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, current Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former intelligence head Hutaraj Thapa and Kathmandu’s then Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal, suggesting prosecution under provisions that carry up to three years in prison.
‘Retaliatory arrest’ vs ‘due process’: Political clash deepens
Oli termed his arrest politically motivated and said he would challenge it in court. Local media reported that he consulted his legal team soon after police arrived.
“This arrest is retaliatory. I will fight it legally—please make the necessary preparations,” he reportedly told his lawyers.
Lekhak echoed the charge, calling the move biased and vowing both a legal and political battle. “I have been arrested in a politically prejudiced and retaliatory manner. I am ready to fight this politically,” he told reporters.
However, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung defended the action, rejecting claims of vendetta. He said the government was acting on evidence to ensure accountability for the deaths during the protests.
“This is not an act of revenge. It is the beginning of holding those responsible for suppressing the protests accountable. The country will now move in a new direction,” he said.