Former Nepal Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has been arrested over his alleged role in the deadly crackdown on nationwide Gen Z-led protests in 2025. Authorities detained him along with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak following a government-backed investigation that linked senior officials to failures in controlling violence during the unrest.
Arrest Follows Probe Into Deadly Protests
The arrests come after an official inquiry recommended legal action against top leaders for their handling of anti-corruption demonstrations that turned violent in September 2025. The protests, largely driven by youth and students, erupted over issues like corruption, governance failures, and a controversial social media ban.
At least 76 people were killed and thousands injured during the unrest, with significant damage to public infrastructure. Investigators concluded that authorities failed to act in time to stop escalating police force, especially during the early hours of the crackdown.
Officials stated that the arrests were made in line with the commission’s recommendations, signaling the start of legal proceedings tied to the incident.
Political Shift After Protests
The violent protests ultimately led to the collapse of Oli’s government in 2025 and triggered a major political shift in Nepal. The unrest fueled public anger, paving the way for the rise of Balendra Shah, a political outsider who campaigned on accountability and anti-corruption promises.
Shah’s administration moved quickly to act on the investigation report, emphasizing that the arrests are part of a justice process rather than political retaliation.
Legal Battle and Ongoing Investigation
Oli, who has denied wrongdoing, is being investigated for alleged negligence in preventing the deaths during the protests. His legal team has challenged the arrest, arguing it is unnecessary and lacks proper legal grounds.
Both Oli and Lekhak are expected to face court proceedings as authorities continue examining accountability for one of Nepal’s deadliest episodes of civil unrest in recent years.
