NepalPolitics – Former PM Oli Arrested Over 2025 Protest Crackdown Case
NepalPolitics – Nepal has witnessed a significant political development as former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was taken into custody by the Nepal Police from his residence in Bhaktapur. The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal negligence connected to the suppression of the September 2025 anti-corruption protests led largely by young demonstrators.
Authorities confirmed that Oli’s detention follows a formal complaint submitted by the Home Ministry. This complaint initiated a legal process that ultimately led to the issuance of arrest warrants against several high-profile individuals. Earlier, Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak had also been arrested from his residence under similar charges.
Commission Findings Trigger Legal Action
The arrests are based on recommendations made by a judicial commission headed by former Special Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. The panel was tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the violent crackdown on the protests, which resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction.
According to the commission’s findings, Oli, Lekhak, and then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung should face charges under Sections 181 and 182 of Nepal’s National Penal Code. These provisions relate to criminal negligence and carry a possible prison sentence of up to ten years.
The report also names several other officials, including former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, National Investigation Department head Hutaraj Thapa, and Kathmandu’s then Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal. It recommends legal proceedings against them under relevant provisions of the law.
Failure to Act on Intelligence Cited
A key aspect of the commission’s report highlights what it describes as a serious failure by authorities to respond to prior intelligence warnings. Investigators concluded that officials did not take adequate preventive measures despite indications that the protests could escalate into violence.
The report attributes the tragic outcome to a combination of negligence and poor decision-making. It emphasizes that timely intervention might have prevented the loss of lives and extensive property damage.
During the protests in September 2025, at least 77 people lost their lives. In addition, both public infrastructure and private assets suffered destruction valued at billions, marking one of the most severe episodes of civil unrest in recent years.
Cabinet Moves Swiftly on Recommendations
The current government, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, has acted promptly on the commission’s recommendations. In its first Cabinet meeting held on Friday, the administration approved the implementation of the report, effectively paving the way for legal proceedings against those identified.
The Cabinet also announced the formation of a separate committee to examine issues related to the conduct and accountability of security personnel during the protests. Another investigative body will specifically assess the role of security agencies, ensuring that responsibility is determined across all levels.
Broader Measures and Government Decisions
Alongside legal actions, the government has taken steps to acknowledge the human cost of the protests. The Cabinet resolved to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the demonstrations on September 8 and 9, 2025, as well as to individuals who died in earlier political movements.
In administrative decisions, Sasmit Pokharel, the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, has been appointed as the official spokesperson of the Government of Nepal.
These developments reflect a broader effort by the new administration to address past controversies while reinforcing institutional accountability. The unfolding legal proceedings are expected to have far-reaching implications for Nepal’s political landscape in the coming months.