Former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli arrested, case related to suppression of ‘Gen Z’ protests

New Delhi:A big upheaval has been seen in the politics of Nepal. While yesterday, rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah took oath as Prime Minister, a day later, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has been arrested in the case of culpable homicide and failure to stop the ‘Generation Z’ riots that took place in September 2025.

About 19 people were killed and more than 2000 people were injured in these riots. The situation had gone out of control in the entire country and there was huge anger among the people. After this, KP Sharma Oli had to resign from the post of Prime Minister.

Case related to ‘Gen Z’ protests

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested early Saturday. This case relates to the violent repression during the ‘Generation Z’ protests that took place in September 2025. Due to this repression he had to be ousted from power.

Former Home Minister also in custody

Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has also been detained in this case. Both the leaders were arrested from their residences in Bhaktapur.

They are likely to be charged under such provisions, which have a maximum punishment of up to 10 years.

What was the ‘Generation Z Revolution’?

In September 2025, a big movement took place in Nepal led by the youth, which was called ‘Generation Z Revolution’. This movement was the result of public anger against the failures of governance, corruption, unemployment and political instability.

Initially this movement was related to the demand for digital freedom, but it soon turned into a broader anti-authority movement, on which the government took strict action.

76 people died in violence

At least 76 people lost their lives in the violence during the government crackdown, while more than 2,000 were injured. This incident is counted among the most serious political incidents in the recent history of Nepal.

Action after commission report

A high-level commission formed to investigate the violence during anti-corruption protests had recommended prosecution against Oli. This arrest was made on the basis of this recommendation.

The commission held Oli, 74, responsible for failing to stop the hours-long firing that left 19 protesters dead on the first day.

The report states, "Being the acting head, Oli should be held responsible for anything, whether good or bad."

Recommendation of action against other officers also

Apart from Oli and Ramesh Lekhak, the commission has also recommended action against the then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung and several other officials.

Oli called the allegations ‘reckless’

Oli has completely rejected the commission’s report."This report is extremely careless, tantamount to character assassination and reflects the politics of hatred. It is regrettable,"

Annapurna Post daily quoted Oli in its online edition.

If found guilty, possible punishment of up to 10 years

If the trial goes on as per the commission’s recommendation and the court finds them guilty, Oli, Ramesh Lekhak and other accused could face a maximum punishment of 10 years.

Defeated in elections also

In the general elections held on March 5, Oli had to face defeat at the hands of Rashtriya Swatantra Party leader Balen Shah on Jhapa-5 seat. This area has long been considered a stronghold of the Communist Party.