Kathmandu, March 28, 2026: Former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday in connection with deaths during the 2025 anti-government protests led largely by young demonstrators.
The arrest follows findings from an official investigation into violent clashes that occurred during mass protests in September 2025. The demonstrations, initially organized by youth groups against corruption and unemployment, later escalated into widespread unrest across the country, particularly in Kathmandu .
Authorities reported that at least 76 people were killed and thousands injured during two days of intense confrontations between protesters and security forces. A government-appointed commission concluded that Oli failed to take timely action to control the violence despite early warnings.
Along with Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also taken into custody. Both leaders are expected to be presented before a court as part of the ongoing investigation.
Prosecutors are examining charges including culpable homicide. If found guilty, the accused could face up to 10 years in prison under Nepalese law.
Following his arrest, Oli was admitted to a hospital due to health concerns, officials said.
The protests and subsequent crackdown marked a turning point in Nepal’s political landscape, leading to the fall of Oli’s government. In the elections that followed, independent youth-backed leader Balendra Shah , widely known as Balen Shah, rose to power, reflecting a major political shift driven by younger voters.
The arrest is seen as a significant step in Nepal’s efforts to ensure political accountability and deliver justice following the deadly protests.
