Former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested by police from his residence in Bhaktapur in connection with a culpable homicide case linked to the suppression of the September 2025 anti-corruption protests.
Authorities confirmed that Nepali Congress leader and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested earlier in the same case. The arrests follow a formal complaint filed by the Home Ministry, which led to an investigation and the issuance of warrants.
The action comes after the government decided to implement the findings of a high-level commission led by former Special Court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki. The commission recommended criminal charges against Oli, Lekhak and former Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung under provisions related to criminal negligence, which carry a possible prison term of up to 10 years.
The report also calls for action against several senior officials, including former home secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former National Investigation Department head Hutaraj Thapa and former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabi Rijal.
According to the findings, authorities failed to act on prior intelligence warning of escalating violence during the protests, leading to deaths and widespread destruction of property. A total of 77 people were killed during the protests, which also caused damage worth billions.
Following his arrest, Oli was admitted to the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.
The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, approved the implementation of the commission’s recommendations at its first meeting, clearing the way for legal proceedings. The government also announced plans to form additional committees to examine the role of security agencies and review related matters.
The Cabinet further decided to honour those who died during the protests on September 8 and 9, 2025, and in earlier movements.
The arrests have triggered strong political reactions. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), led by Oli, has called the move politically motivated and announced nationwide protests demanding his release.
Party leaders alleged that the investigation lacked sufficient grounds and accused the government of targeting opposition figures. Demonstrations were held in several districts, with protesters burning tyres and staging rallies.
The party has announced further protests, including district-level demonstrations and the submission of memorandums to local authorities. It also said it would seek support from civil society and other political groups.
The situation remains tense as legal proceedings begin and political protests continue across the country.
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