KATHMANDU: Former Nepal prime minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday as authorities investigate his alleged negligence in failing to prevent dozens of deaths during a crackdown on anti-corruption protests last year.
The arrest follows the swearing-in of Balendra Shah as the country’s new prime minister a day earlier, marking a dramatic political shift after recent elections.
Officials said the move was based on recommendations from a panel that investigated violence during the protests, which were largely driven by Generation Z activists. The panel concluded that Oli and his former home minister Ramesh Lekhak should face prosecution for negligence.
Lekhak was also arrested.
Deadly Protests and Political Fallout
At least 76 people were killed during the September crackdown, which involved police firing, arson, and widespread unrest. The violence ultimately forced Oli to resign from office.
Following his arrest, supporters of Oli took to the streets in protest, clashing with police near the prime minister’s office in Kathmandu. Security forces responded with tear gas and batons to disperse crowds attempting to block roads and burn tyres. At least one person was reported injured.
Oli’s party, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), condemned the arrest as politically motivated, calling it an act of “revenge” and demanding his immediate release.
Senior party leader Shankar Pokhrel announced plans for nationwide protests, with demonstrations expected across all 77 districts.
Government Response and Legal Battle
Home Minister Sudan Gurung defended the arrest, describing it as “the beginning of justice” and signalling a shift toward accountability.
Police officials confirmed that Oli and Lekhak would be presented in court, while Oli’s legal team has challenged the arrest, calling it unlawful and pledging to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
Due to health concerns, including a history of kidney transplants, Oli was transferred from a police facility to a hospital following his detention.
Election Upset and Changing Political Landscape
Oli, who served as prime minister four times between 2015 and 2025, never completed a full term. Once a dominant political figure, his popularity declined in recent years despite earlier nationalist gains.
In the latest elections, he suffered a major defeat to Balendra Shah in his own constituency. Shah’s party capitalised on public anger over the protest deaths, securing a sweeping electoral victory.
The arrests mark a significant turning point in Nepal’s political landscape, highlighting growing demands for accountability and reform in the wake of last year’s violence.
The situation remains fluid as legal proceedings begin and political tensions continue to rise across the country.
