Nepal Arrests Ex-PM KP Sharma Oli Over Deadly Protest Crackdown

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested in Nepal over their alleged failure to prevent the deadly 2025 anti-corruption protests that killed at least 76 people. Their arrest follows a government probe recommending prosecution for negligence during the unrest, which led to Oli’s resignation. The move comes just after Balendra Shah assumed office, as the new government pledges accountability and justice.

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were taken into custody on Saturday as authorities deepened their investigation into the government’s handling of the deadly anti-corruption protests that shook Nepal in September last year.
Police in the Kathmandu Valley confirmed that both men were arrested in the early hours of the day and are expected to face formal legal proceedings. Authorities allege that they failed in their duty to prevent or adequately respond to the violence that erupted during the demonstrations, which quickly spiraled out of control and resulted in a high number of casualties. Officials say the arrests mark a critical step in holding top leaders accountable for decisions made during a period of national crisis.
Kathmandu Valley police spokesperson Om Adhikari stated that the legal process would now proceed according to Nepalese law, adding that investigators have gathered sufficient grounds to pursue charges linked to negligence and dereliction of duty. The case is being closely watched both domestically and internationally, as it involves some of the most powerful political figures in Nepal’s recent history.
The move follows the findings of a government-appointed investigative panel, which submitted its report earlier in the week. The panel recommended prosecuting Oli, citing serious lapses in leadership and crisis management during the protests. According to the report, at least 76 people were killed over two days of intense unrest, making it one of the deadliest episodes of civil disturbance in Nepal in recent years. Many of the victims were civilians, including young people, further fueling public outrage.
The violence and mounting pressure from protesters and civil society ultimately forced Oli to step down from office, bringing an abrupt end to his administration. His resignation created a political vacuum and set the stage for a major shift in the country’s leadership and governance approach.
The arrests come just a day after Balendra Shah was sworn in as the new prime minister. Shah, a 35-year-old leader who rose to prominence through a wave of youth-driven political activism, secured a decisive victory in Nepal’s first election since the 2025 uprising. His emergence reflects a broader demand among citizens—especially younger generations—for transparency, accountability, and a break from traditional political elites.
The protests, commonly referred to as the “Gen Z protests,” began as a reaction to the Oli government’s controversial decision to impose a nationwide social media ban. The restriction was widely seen as an attempt to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. Although the government later reversed the ban in response to growing criticism, the protests had already gained momentum.
What started as opposition to the ban quickly evolved into a nationwide movement addressing deeper structural issues. Demonstrators voiced frustration over corruption, unemployment, rising living costs, and what they perceived as a disconnect between political leaders and ordinary citizens. The movement drew tens of thousands of people into the streets across multiple cities, turning into one of the largest protest waves Nepal has seen in decades.
Despite the scale of the demonstrations, security forces struggled to manage the situation effectively. The government report found no clear evidence that officials explicitly ordered police or security personnel to open fire on protesters. However, it concluded that there was a significant failure to control the actions of armed forces once violence began. This breakdown in command and oversight allowed the situation to escalate, ultimately leading to the deaths of dozens of civilians, including minors.
The findings have intensified calls for justice from victims’ families, human rights groups, and sections of the public who have long demanded accountability for the events of September. For many, the arrests of Oli and Lekhak represent a turning point in Nepal’s efforts to address impunity among high-ranking officials.
Newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who was himself a prominent figure during the protest movement, has sought to reassure the public that the legal actions are not politically motivated. In a statement shared on social media, Gurung emphasized that the arrests are part of a broader commitment to justice and institutional reform.
He stated that no individual, regardless of their former position or influence, is above the law. Gurung described the development as the beginning of a new chapter for Nepal, one in which accountability, rule of law, and democratic values are strengthened. He also expressed hope that the country is entering a period of renewal, where past mistakes can be addressed and a more transparent and responsive government can emerge.
As legal proceedings move forward, the case is expected to test Nepal’s judicial independence and its ability to handle politically sensitive prosecutions. It also serves as a defining moment for the new administration under Prime Minister Shah, which has pledged to rebuild public trust and steer the country toward stability after months of unrest.
The outcome of the investigation and subsequent trials could have far-reaching implications, not only for those directly involved but also for the future of governance and accountability in Nepal.