A high-level inquiry commission in Nepal has suggested a criminal investigation and potential prosecution of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung for their roles during the Gen-Z movement last year. The commission, led by Gauribahadur Karki, highlighted negligence by Oli and Lekhak in relation to protester deaths on September 8, recommending action under the Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2074 (2017). It also criticized the former police chief for authorizing force against protesters.
If the recommendations are followed, the trio could face imprisonment ranging from three to 10 years and fines up to NPR 30,000. Although the commission’s report has not been officially released, a leaked version is widely circulating. Oli, in his statement to the commission, emphasized instructing security agencies to minimize casualties and property damage and prevent unwanted elements from infiltrating protests.
During the Gen-Z movement that led to Oli’s government downfall, 77 fatalities occurred, with property losses exceeding NPR 85 billion as per a government report. Following Oli’s government collapse, a non-political administration led by Sushila Karki organized House of Representatives elections on March 5. Post-elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, led by potential Prime Minister Balen Shah, secured a substantial parliamentary majority, overshadowing traditional parties like Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal.
Just before the new Prime Minister’s inauguration, the leaked report intensified pressure on the incoming government to act against former officials responsible for Gen-Z movement incidents. The commission has advised investigating and potentially prosecuting ex-Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former National Investigation Department head Hutaraj Thapa, and ex-Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Raj Rijal for negligence under the Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2074 (2017). If charged, they could face imprisonment up to three years and fines up to NPR 30,000. Additionally, the commission suggested taking departmental action against various senior officials from Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and National Investigation Department.
