Following the arrest of former Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, supporters organized protests in multiple locations throughout Kathmandu. The demonstrators gathered to voice their discontent and publicly expressed their anger by burning copies of the report submitted by the commission investigating the ‘Gen Z’ movement. The commission’s findings implicated Oli in the violence surrounding the September 2025 protests, which ultimately led to his ousting from office.

Details of the Arrest

Oli was taken into custody early on Saturday in connection with a culpable homicide case tied to the violent suppression of the Gen Z protests. Alongside him, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak of the Nepali Congress party was also arrested. The commission, established by the interim election government, suggested that both Oli and others should face prosecution for their involvement in the violence, asserting that Oli failed to prevent the police firing that resulted in the deaths of at least 19 protesters on the first day of demonstrations.

Health Concerns and Political Reactions

Following his arrest, the 74-year-old Oli, who has undergone two kidney transplants, was admitted to a hospital in Kathmandu for medical evaluations. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) labeled the arrest a politically motivated act and called for an emergency meeting to discuss their response. Supporters expressed their frustration by setting fire to the Carqui Commission report near the UML central office in Chyasal, additionally igniting tires to signify their dissent. Notably, police presence at these protest sites remained minimal.

Dynamic Political Landscape in Nepal

In a concurrent political shift, rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, better known as Balen, recently took the oath of office as the youngest Prime Minister after being unanimously elected leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Balen, who defeated Oli in the Jhapa-5 constituency during the recent general elections, marks a significant change as the Rastriya Swatantra Party gained a majority in the House of Representatives. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Balen Shah, expressing hopes for stronger bilateral relations between India and Nepal.

Condemnation from Political Leaders

Oli’s arrest has drawn sharp criticism from leaders of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist). Secretary Mahesh Basnet described the incident as “political revenge” and accused the new government led by Balen Shah of bias. The party called for nationwide protests, including demonstrations at district headquarters and the formal submission of protest letters to officials. Other political figures also raised alarms regarding the arrest, with Arjun Narsingha KC advocating for a “neutral and transparent” investigation and labeling the previous findings as “insufficient.” Ganesh Shah asserted that due process must be adhered to, while Kamal Thapa cautioned against potential “conflict and confrontation.” The current government acted swiftly after determining to implement the investigation report, intensifying the existing tensions.

Ongoing Developments

As the newly formed government prepares its cabinet, the situation remains fluid with ongoing legal proceedings related to the Gen Z protests. The political landscape of Nepal is seeing shifts that are indicative of deeper issues as protests against Oli’s arrest continue and further developments unfold.

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