Kathmandu: Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested in connection with a culpable homicide case linked to the violent suppression of the September 2025 ‘Gen Z’ protests, a day after Balendra Shah assumed office.
Both the leaders were taken into custody on Satuday a day after rapper turned politician Balen Shah became the country’s youngest prime minister. Authorities reportedly said both could face charges carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Following his arrest, the 74-year-old leader, who has a history of kidney-related health issues, was admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu after undergoing medical examinations.
According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the arrests were made after a formal complaint by the Home Ministry and subsequent investigation that led to the issuance of warrants. The action follows recommendations of a commission headed by former Special Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.
The commission has held multiple senior officials accountable, recommending prosecution under provisions related to criminal negligence. It also named several top security and administrative officials for legal or disciplinary action over their alleged roles in the crackdown.
The protests, led largely by youth groups, had turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least 77 people and widespread damage to public and private property.
Security agencies carried out coordinated operations for the arrests, with teams deployed across the Kathmandu Valley. Senior government officials held late-night consultations ahead of the move, as authorities tightened security in the capital.
The report further noted that the decision to act on the commission’s findings was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, paving the way for legal proceedings against those named.
The arrests mark a significant political development in Nepal, coming immediately after a leadership transition and signalling potential legal accountability for actions taken during the previous administration.
