Former Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli and Ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Arrested Over Crackdown on Gen-Z Protests
Nepalese authorities arrested former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and his ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on 28 March 2026 in connection with last year’s nationwide Gen-Z-led protests, which erupted across the country and tragically left dozens dead. The arrests were carried out by Nepal police amid mounting calls for accountability for the violent crackdown.
The protests, which took place in September 2025, were primarily led by young citizens demanding political reform and greater transparency. The government’s response to these demonstrations drew widespread criticism both domestically and internationally, as police and security forces used force against protestors, resulting in multiple casualties and sparking national outrage.
The detention of Oli and Lekhak comes shortly after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s new Prime Minister. Shah campaigned on a platform centered on accountability, justice, and reform, promising to investigate human rights violations and hold former officials responsible for abuses during the previous administration.
Authorities have stated that the arrests are part of a broader investigation into the actions of the former government during the protests. While details of the charges have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that both Oli and Lekhak are being questioned regarding orders and policies that led to excessive use of force against demonstrators.
Political analysts suggest that these arrests mark a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape, signaling a commitment to transparency and justice under the new government. The move has been widely discussed on social media and among civil society groups, many of whom have welcomed the decision as a long-overdue step toward accountability.
As the investigation continues, the international community and human rights organizations are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the need for due process and fair treatment for all parties involved.
The developments highlight the ongoing tensions in Nepalese politics and underscore the challenges faced by the new administration in addressing past injustices while maintaining stability in the country.
