Nepal’s political landscape has shifted dramatically after the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over their alleged involvement in the deadly September 2025 Gen Z protests. The youth-led demonstrations, driven by frustration over corruption and governance failures, turned violent after a forceful response by security forces. At least 76 people died and thousands were injured, prompting nationwide outrage.
Authorities confirmed that the arrests followed recommendations from an independent investigative panel, which reportedly found evidence of excessive use of force and potential abuse of power by senior leadership. Legal experts say the move is a rare example of high-level accountability in Nepal’s political history.
The detentions come just a day after Balendra Shah assumed office as Nepal’s Prime Minister. Shah’s administration has signaled a focus on transparency and accountability, particularly regarding past leadership actions. Observers suggest these developments could set a precedent for holding former officials responsible and restoring public trust in democratic institutions across Nepal.