Former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli Arrested in Connection with Gen-Z Protest Case

Kathmandu — Former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has been arrested by police in connection with the controversial Gen-Z protest case. He was taken into custody on Saturday from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, after being served an urgent arrest warrant.The arrest follows a Cabinet decision made immediately after the formation of the new government on Friday. The meeting had resolved to implement the report prepared by a probe commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, which investigated the incidents surrounding the protests.The commission, formed to examine the Gen-Z demonstrations held on Bhadra 23 and 24, had recommended that the government initiate criminal investigations against Oli. Based on the report submitted on Chaitra 24, the Cabinet decided to proceed with legal action not only against Oli but also against former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.According to the findings, the two were held responsible for the use of force during the protests, particularly an incident in Baneshwor, Kathmandu, where security forces opened fire on demonstrators, including minors. The commission report states that a total of 76 people lost their lives during the protests.With the arrest now carried out, the case has formally entered the judicial process. The development is expected to trigger significant political and legal debates, as investigations into high-level officials move forward.