Kathmandu, March 29: Former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN UML KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak are set to be presented before the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday following their arrest by Nepal Police.
The two leaders were detained on Saturday in connection with the deadly violence during the Gen-Z protests on September 8-9, 2025 which left 76 people, including three police personnel, dead and over 2,400 others injured. The unrest also caused widespread destruction of key state institutions, including Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and other public and private properties.
A probe commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki had found Oli and Lekhak, among other officials, responsible for the incident and recommended legal action. Acting on the report, the government led by Balen Shah decided to implement its recommendations, leading to their arrest.
Following their detention, newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung held consultations with top security officials, including Nepal Police Chief Dan Bahadur Karki and Armed Police Force Chief Raju Aryal, to ensure security preparedness.
Police confirmed that both leaders will be presented in court to seek remand for further investigation under charges related to culpable homicide due to negligence and recklessness, as per the National Penal Code. Authorities stated that investigations are being carried out with full respect for human rights.
Abhi Narayan Kafle, the central spokesperson of Nepal Police, stated that former Prime Minister Oli and former Home Minister Lekhak will be presented before the Kathmandu District Court on Sunday to obtain a remand extension for further investigation.
He added that Oli, who is currently in police custody, has been kept at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) following medical advice, while Lekhak is being held at the Police Battalion No. 2, Maharajgunj.
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has demanded their immediate release, calling the arrest undemocratic and politically motivated. The party has announced nationwide protests and warned of legal and political resistance.
The party has termed the arrest a planned and politically directed action, calling for a joint initiative from political parties, civil society, and the general public to secure the leaders’ release. The UML has also stated that it will take necessary steps to safeguard the Constitution, democracy, and human rights.
The party announced a protest program for Sunday, during which memorandums will be submitted to District Administration Offices across the country. It also mentioned that further protest activities may be carried out in coordination with other political parties if needed.
On Saturday, the UML staged demonstrations in Kathmandu and other major cities and district headquarters nationwide. In some places, protesters burned tires on the streets, disrupting traffic—particularly around the Maitighar in Kathmandu, where movement was significantly affected.
Meanwhile, former president Bidya Devi Bhandari has also expressed concern, urging the government to reconsider the decision in line with democratic values and constitutional norms. #nepal #genz
