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Kathmandu witnessed a major political development as Nepal’s newly formed administration ordered the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with a culpable homicide case linked to the suppression of Gen Z protests.
The arrests followed a Cabinet decision taken after Prime Minister Balendra Shah assumed office.
The government resolved to act on findings submitted by a High-Level Inquiry Commission probing protest-related fatalities.
Senior police official Prabin Dhital confirmed that authorities detained both leaders early Saturday after securing court-issued warrants.
Police apprehended Oli from his residence in Bhaktapur, while officers arrested Lekhak separately from his home in the same district.
Officials stated that the detentions align with the commission’s recommendations, which call for prosecuting Oli, Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung under provisions related to criminal negligence.
Conviction under these sections could result in imprisonment of up to ten years.
The report, led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, also proposes action against several senior officials, including former bureaucrats and security chiefs, under additional legal provisions carrying lesser penalties.
Authorities confirmed that both leaders will remain in custody until court proceedings resume, as Saturday is a public holiday in Nepal.
Oli, after consulting legal counsel, described the arrest as retaliatory and pledged to challenge it through judicial means.
Lekhak echoed similar sentiments, alleging political bias and vowing to contest the charges both legally and politically.
Home Minister Sudhan Gurung clarified that the arrests aim to ensure accountability rather than pursue vendetta, asserting that the move marks the beginning of justice for victims of the crackdown.
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