Nepal's Former Leaders Arrested Following Gen Z Protest Investigation

In a significant political development, former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested in Nepal following a government decision to implement a probe commission's recommendations regarding the Gen Z protests. These protests, which occurred last year, led to the tragic deaths of 76 individuals, including many youths. The new government, led by Balendra Shah, is taking steps to ensure accountability, with Home Minister Sudhan Gurung emphasizing that no one is above the law. The investigation is set to proceed as both leaders face serious charges, potentially leading to prison sentences of up to ten years. This situation has prompted an emergency meeting within the CPN-UML party to address the unfolding crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 28, 2026, 12:03 IST

Arrests of Former Prime Minister and Home Minister

Kathmandu, Mar 28: K P Sharma Oli, the former Prime Minister of Nepal, along with Ramesh Lekhak, a former Home Minister and leader of the Nepali Congress, were taken into custody on Saturday. This action came just a day after the newly established government under Balendra Shah decided to act on the findings of a probe commission regarding the Gen Z protests that shook the country last year.

Oli, who also leads the CPN-UML party, was apprehended in the Gundu area, while Lekhak was arrested at his home in Katunje, located in Suryabinayak Municipality. Both locations are situated in Bhaktapur district, approximately 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, according to police reports.

The arrests stem from allegations that both individuals played a role in quelling the Gen Z protests that occurred on September 8 and 9 of the previous year, resulting in the deaths of 76 individuals, including around two dozen youths.

During its inaugural cabinet meeting on Friday, the new government led by Balendra Shah resolved to promptly implement the recommendations of the investigative commission.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung expressed on social media, "No one is above the law." He added, "We have taken former Prime Minister KP Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak into custody. This is not an act of revenge; it marks the beginning of justice."

He further stated, "I believe this will steer the country in a new direction."

The investigative commission, tasked with examining the events surrounding the Gen Z protests, has suggested legal proceedings against Oli and Lekhak, among others, for criminal offenses.

The commission has proposed prison sentences ranging from three to ten years for the implicated individuals.

A senior officer from the Kathmandu District Police Circle indicated that both will be presented before the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday, as Saturday is a holiday. The investigation process will commence thereafter.

Following his detention, K P Oli was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a medical examination, which is a standard procedure in such investigations, according to a police official.

In response to the situation, the CPN-UML has convened an emergency meeting of its secretariat at the central office in Lalitpur.