Former PM Oli, top officials held accountable in Gen Z protest crackdown

A probe commission formed under former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki has recommended criminal investigation against then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung over the violent crackdown during the Gen Z protests on September 8.

The commission found that gunfire continued for nearly four hours outside the Parliament building while deaths and injuries mounted, and that Oli failed to act in his duty as the guardian of all citizens. The report describes his conduct as irresponsible.

The commission recommended action under Section 181 of the Muluki Aparadh Samhita (Criminal Code), which covers negligent acts causing death. Separately, Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Armed Police Force IG Raju Aryal, NID chief Hutaraj Thapa, and CDO Chhabi Rijal face second-level action under Section 182 for negligence resulting in deaths.

Recommendations by a commission are not the same as a court judgment; prosecutors and courts determine what follows next. Neelopatra will track official responses and any formal charges.