Kathmandu, Mar 28: Nepal’s political landscape entered a volatile new phase on Saturday after former prime minister KP Sharma Oli was taken into custody over his alleged role in last year’s deadly crackdown on anti-government protests, marking one of the most consequential accountability actions against a senior leader in the country’s recent history.
Authorities confirmed that Oli was detained early in the morning and later admitted to a Kathmandu hospital as part of routine medical procedures, given his age and prior health complications. Former home minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested in connection with the same case.Protest Crackdown Under Scrutiny
The arrests stem from the September 2025 unrest, widely referred to as Nepal’s “Gen Z uprising,” which began as a backlash against a temporary social media ban but quickly escalated into a nationwide movement fueled by public anger over corruption, unemployment, and deepening economic distress.
More than 70 people were killed during the protests, with a significant number of casualties linked to police firing on demonstrators. Public property, including parliament buildings and police stations, was damaged or set ablaze as protests intensified across the country.
A high-level investigative commission concluded that while there was no explicit directive from top leadership to open fire, there was a critical failure to intervene. The panel noted that authorities “did not take adequate steps to stop or control the firing,” holding senior officials responsible for negligence that contributed to the loss of life.Legal Action and Political Timing
The commission has recommended prosecuting Oli and Lekhak on charges including criminal negligence, with potential prison terms of up to 10 years if convicted. Police officials stated that the legal process would proceed in accordance with established law.
The timing of the arrests is politically significant, coming just a day after Balen Shah assumed office following a landmark electoral victory by the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which secured a rare outright majority.
New Home Minister Sudan Gurung defended the move, asserting that the government’s actions were guided by accountability rather than retribution. He emphasized that the legal process signals a broader shift toward institutional responsibility.Pushback and Political Fallout
Oli has rejected the findings of the investigative panel, describing the allegations as politically motivated. His legal team has challenged the grounds for detention, arguing that it is unjustified given his cooperation and lack of flight risk.
Meanwhile, supporters of Oli’s party have begun mobilizing protests, raising concerns about renewed political instability at a time when the new administration is attempting to consolidate authority.A Defining Moment
The case is being closely watched as a test of Nepal’s democratic institutions and their ability to hold powerful figures accountable. For many families of the victims, who have been demanding justice for months, the arrests represent a long-awaited step forward.
Analysts say the episode underscores a deeper institutional failure, where the absence of direct orders did not prevent the use of lethal force. Instead, it revealed systemic gaps in command responsibility during a rapidly escalating crisis.
As legal proceedings begin, the outcome could redefine the boundaries of political accountability in Nepal, setting a precedent for how state power is scrutinized in times of civil unrest.
