Nepal Panel Recommends Action Against Ex-PM KP Sharma Oli Over Gen-Z Protest Violence

A high-level commission in Nepal has advised criminal proceedings against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and other senior officials over their alleged role in last year’s Gen-Z protests.

The panel, chaired by Gauribahadur Karki, examined the circumstances surrounding the September 8 violence that led to multiple fatalities.

The inquiry held Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak accountable for negligence and lack of due diligence. It also faulted, then Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, for authorising force against demonstrators.

The panel recommended prosecution under the Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2074 (2017), which could lead to imprisonment ranging from three to ten years, along with financial penalties.

Although the report remains officially unpublished, a leaked version has circulated widely, intensifying political pressure.

In his defence, Oli maintained that security forces were instructed to limit casualties and prevent disruptive elements from infiltrating protests.

The Gen-Z movement resulted in 77 deaths and extensive property damage estimated at over NPR 85 billion. The unrest ultimately led to the collapse of the Oli-led government.

Subsequently, a non-political administration under Sushila Karki oversaw parliamentary elections held on March 5.

The elections produced a decisive outcome, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by Balen Shah, securing a near two-thirds majority. Traditional parties suffered major electoral setbacks.

The commission further recommended legal action against several senior bureaucrats and security officials for negligence. It also advised departmental proceedings against additional officers across multiple agencies.

The timing of the leak, just before the new Prime Minister’s swearing-in, has heightened expectations for swift legal action.

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