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Nepal's ex-PM Oli Held Over Deaths During Gen Z Protests
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 28, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 28, 2026
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Former Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has been detained as authorities probe whether he was negligent in failing to prevent a deadly crackdown during “Gen Z” protests in September — protests that left 76 people dead and ultimately led to his resignation.
Nepal's ex-PM Oli arrested over deaths during Gen Z protests
By Gopal Sharma
Arrest and Investigation of Former Prime Minister Oli
KATHMANDU, March 28 (Reuters) - Nepal's former prime minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, was arrested on Saturday as police investigate whether he was negligent in failing to prevent dozens of deaths during Gen Z anti-corruption protests last September, officials said.
His home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, was also arrested.
Context of the Arrest
They were taken into custody one day after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as prime minister and after a recommendation last week by a Nepali panel investigating violence during the protests that they should be prosecuted for negligence.
Details of the Protests
A total of 76 people were killed in two days of unrest, which led to Oli resigning.
Police Actions and Statements
Police spokesman Om Adhikari said both Oli and Lekhak were being detained at the Kathmandu Police Office and would be produced before the court on Sunday, a working day in Nepal.
"We have arrested them as per the recommendations made by the investigation commission," he said.
Health and Legal Perspectives
Oli's Health Condition
Oli, 74 and who has had two kidney transplants in the past, was subsequently transferred to a hospital from the police office, witnesses said.
Legal Response
His lawyer Tikaram Bhattarai told Reuters that the arrest was unwarranted.
Lawyer's Statement
"They have said it (the arrest) is for investigation. It is illegal and improper because there is no risk of him fleeing or avoiding questioning," he said.
Lekhak and his lawyer could not be immediately reached for comment.
Panel Findings and Political Impact
Panel's Report
The panel held Oli responsible for not taking any action to stop hours of firing that killed at least 19 Gen Z protesters on the first day of the demonstrations.
Political Consequences
Anger over the deaths helped sweep Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party to a landslide election this month.
(Reporting by Gopal Sharma; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
Key Takeaways
- •Oli, 74, and ex‑Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were detained following a panel’s recommendation to prosecute them for negligence linked to the September unrest in which 76 people died over two days (hindustantimes.com).
- •The “Gen Z” protests in September 2025, triggered by corruption and a social‑media ban, resulted in widespread violence and fatalities, prompting calls for accountability and public memorialization as ‘Gen Z Martyr Day’ (aljazeera.com).
- •This detention occurs as Nepal transitions to a new government: Balendra “Balen” Shah, a rapper‑turned‑politician, was sworn in as prime minister on March 27, 2026, following his Rastriya Swatantra Party’s landslide victory in the March 5 elections (apnews.com).
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Nepal's ex-PM Oli held over deaths during Gen Z protests
1Why was Nepal's former PM K.P. Sharma Oli detained?
Oli was detained as police investigate his possible negligence in failing to prevent dozens of deaths during Gen Z protests in Nepal.
2How many people were killed during the Gen Z protests in Nepal?
A total of 76 people were killed during two days of unrest in the anti-corruption Gen Z protests last September.
3What did the investigation panel recommend regarding Oli?
The panel recommended that former PM Oli be prosecuted for failing to prevent the crackdown which led to multiple deaths.
4Who was detained along with K.P. Sharma Oli?
Nepal's home minister, Ramesh Lekhak, was detained along with former PM K.P. Sharma Oli.
5Who became Nepal's prime minister after the protests?
Rapper-turned politician Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister after winning the March 5 parliamentary elections.
