Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday, in connection with deaths linked to the 2025 anti-government protests. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also taken into custody in the same case, reports said.
The arrests came just a day after Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new Prime Minister, marking a significant political shift in the country.
The case stems from the nationwide 2025 protests—widely referred to as the “Gen Z protests”—which were largely driven by young demonstrators. Protesters had taken to the streets over allegations of corruption, governance failures, and restrictions on social media.
Clashes between demonstrators and security forces turned violent during the protests. Official figures indicate that around 76 people were killed and more than 2,000 injured, triggering widespread outrage and political instability across Nepal.
The arrests followed the findings of a government-appointed investigation commission, which pointed to serious lapses in handling the unrest. Both leaders have been booked on charges related to culpable homicide, with authorities emphasizing that the case concerns their role in overseeing the government’s response, rather than any direct orders to use violence.
“They were arrested this morning, and the process will move forward according to the law,” Kathmandu Valley police spokesperson Om Adhikari said, as quoted by AFP.
Shortly after Oli’s arrest, newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung underscored the government’s stance, stating that “a promise is a promise” and that “no one is above the law.”
In a post on X, Gurung described the move as the start of accountability. “We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak under control. This is not revenge against anyone; it is just the beginning of justice. I believe that now the country will take a new direction,” he wrote.
Oli, however, alleged that the action was politically motivated. He said he had been arrested “vindictively” and added, “I will fight the legal battle.”
Following the arrests, supporters of Oli staged protests in several areas, prompting police to deploy crowd-control measures to contain the situation.
The developments come in the wake of a major political transition, with Shah—who rose to prominence during the protest movement—securing a strong electoral mandate. His campaign had focused on accountability and action against those held responsible for the violence.
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