Former PM KP Sharma Oli arrested in Nepal, PM Balen Shah takes action

Kathmandu (The Uttam Hindu): Nepal Police on Saturday arrested former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in connection with deaths during the September 2025 “Generation Z” protests.

The action comes after a formal complaint by the Home Ministry and follows recommendations of an investigation commission headed by former Special Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.

According to officials, the arrests have been made on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal negligence under Nepal’s national penal code.

Commission holds top officials responsible

The inquiry report held KP Sharma Oli, Ramesh Lekhak, and former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung primarily responsible for the incidents. The commission recommended filing cases under Sections 181 and 182 of the penal code, which carry a maximum punishment of up to 10 years.

Background of Generation Z protests

The protests began in September 2025 as a youth-led “Generation Z” movement against social media restrictions and corruption. What started as online dissent quickly escalated into nationwide demonstrations.

On September 8, violent clashes between police and protesters erupted in Kathmandu and other cities, resulting in at least 19 deaths in a single day. Overall, more than 70 people were reported dead during the course of the movement.

Protesters had accused the government of using excessive force to suppress peaceful demonstrations, including alleged live firing.

Political fallout

Following the unrest, the government led by KP Sharma Oli collapsed, and he resigned from the post of Prime Minister. The current Prime Minister Balen Shah has now initiated action based on the commission’s findings.