Nepal Arrests Former Premier Oli, Ex-Minister in Crackdown Probe
Kathmandu, Nepal – Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak have been arrested in Nepal in connection with the crackdown on protests last year that resulted in multiple fatalities. The arrests mark a significant legal development in the country’s political history.
The Chenab Times has learned that police took Oli, also chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), into custody early Saturday from his residence in Bhaktapur. Lekhak was apprehended separately from his home in the same district. These detentions are reportedly linked to the events of September 8–9 last year, when protests led to the deaths of at least 19 individuals.
Authorities are investigating allegations that senior officials were involved in directing or supervising actions that contributed to the loss of life during the demonstrations. Current Home Minister Sudan Gurung stated on social media following the arrests, “Promise is a promise: No one is above the law. This is not vengeance against anyone; it is simply the beginning of justice,” signaling a new approach to accountability.
The arrests follow the submission of findings by a commission of inquiry, headed by Gauri Bahadur Karki. The commission reportedly named Oli, Lekhak, former police chief Chandrakuber Khapung, and others in its report. They are accused of violations under Section 182 of the Criminal Code 2017, which pertains to negligent killing, an offense that can carry a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine.
The action was initiated shortly after the assumption of office by the new Prime Minister Balendra Shah. In its inaugural cabinet meeting, the new administration decided to implement the commission’s recommendations, clearing the path for legal proceedings. Officials indicated that administrative and legal preparations were completed overnight to facilitate the arrests.
This development signals a notable political shift in Nepal, with the government indicating a more stringent stance on accountability for state actions during public protests.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
