Nepal's New Government Takes Bold Action: Arrests Former PM KP Sharma Oli and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak
Significant Arrests in Nepal
Kathmandu: In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal's newly formed government has detained former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli along with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. This action is linked to a culpable homicide case associated with the violent suppression of Gen Z protests that resulted in multiple fatalities among demonstrators.
The arrests followed a Cabinet meeting on Friday, where Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his ministers decided to act on the findings of a High-Level Inquiry Commission. This commission was established to probe the events surrounding the Gen Z protests and has called for criminal investigations against Oli, Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.
According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabin Dhital, both individuals were apprehended early Saturday morning at their homes after the court issued arrest warrants.
Oli was arrested at his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, while Lekhak was taken into custody from Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur. The police confirmed that these arrests were made in accordance with the commission's recommendations, and both will remain in custody until the court reopens on Sunday, as Saturday is a public holiday in Nepal.
The commission, chaired by former Special Court head Gauri Bahadur Karki, has suggested that Oli, Lekhak, and Khapung face charges under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code for criminal negligence, which could result in a maximum sentence of ten years if found guilty.
Additionally, the report calls for action against several other officials, including Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi and current Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, recommending prosecution under Section 182, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Upon the arrival of police with the arrest warrant, Oli sought legal counsel. He reportedly stated, “This arrest is retaliatory. I will fight it legally—please make the necessary preparations,” as per local media.
Former Home Minister Lekhak echoed similar sentiments, asserting that his arrest was politically motivated and biased. He expressed his readiness to contest the charges both politically and legally.
In response, newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung clarified that the arrests were not acts of vengeance. He emphasized, “We have taken former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak into custody. This is not an act of revenge against anyone, but merely the beginning of bringing those responsible for suppressing the protests to justice. I believe the country will now move in a new direction.”