Kathmandu, Feb 9: The high-level probe commission formed to ascertain the facts surrounding the loss of life and property during the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9 has completed its inquiry and is preparing to submit its report, along with recommendations, to the government.
After nearly five months of investigation, the Gauri Bahadur Karki led commission is set to submit its report later this week, including clear recommendations for legal action against those found responsible. The government had formed the commission on September 21 under the chairmanship of former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki.
Former Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Nepal Police Mr Bigyan Raj Sharma and legal expert Bishweshwar Prasad Bhandari are members of the commission. The three-member commission was constituted in accordance with Section 3(2) of the Investigation Commission Act, 2026 BS, and formally began its work on September 25. The commission was initially given a three-month mandate.
As the investigation could not be completed within the stipulated timeframe, the government extended the commission’s tenure by one month. Following the inability to complete report writing and related work within that period, the tenure was extended for a second time by 20 days.
Commission’s spokesperson Bigyan Raj Sharma stated that statements and interrogations of more than 200 individuals directly and indirectly involved in the incidents have been conducted, and that the drafting of the report—along with analytical findings and recommendations—is in its final stage. “We will submit the report with clear recommendations after completing statements and interrogations of most individuals concerned,” he said.
The commission is preparing to recommend action after identifying those who ordered and those who were involved in the violent incidents during the Gen Z movement on September 8 and 9, which resulted in the deaths of 76 people, including youths, and injuries to 2,429 protesters. The commission has already recorded written and oral statements from more than 200 individuals, including then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, chiefs of all four security agencies, then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, and then heads of district administration offices.
Similarly, the commission has also recorded statement from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane.
Looting, vandalism, and arson carried out by unruly groups during the movement caused damage worth approximately Rs 84.5 billion in both public and private sectors. Security agencies have continued efforts to bring those involved in violent activities during the protests within the legal framework.
Under the 10-point agreement between the government and the Gen Z movement, it was decided to expand the commission’s mandate.
Accordingly, the commission was tasked with investigating allegations of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations resulting from the excessive use of force during the movement, as well as examining organized violent activities in line with the principles of truth-seeking and reconciliation.
The government had also expanded the mandate to allow the commission to recommend, within 15 days, screening and investigation of cases filed against protest participants, and to suggest release from custody and withdrawal of charges if individuals were found not to have acted in a premeditated manner. However, spokesperson Sharma informed that the commission rejected this expanded mandate, stating that the incidents fall under criminal offenses and that it could not recommend immunity for anyone involved in violent acts. The commission has formally communicated this position to the government through official correspondence. #nepal #genz
