KATHMANDU, Mar 28: Former Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli was arrested on Saturday in connection with last year’s crackdown on nationwide Gen Z-led protests, authorities confirmed. The arrest comes a day after the government led by Balendra Shah moved to implement recommendations from a probe commission investigating the unrest.Police said Oli, who also serves as chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), was taken into custody from the Gundu area of Bhaktapur district, located about 12 km east of Kathmandu, early Saturday morning.In a related development, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested from his residence in Katunje, Suryabinayak Municipality. Authorities stated that both leaders are being investigated for their alleged roles in decisions taken during the protests, which saw widespread demonstrations led by young people across the country. The Gen Z protests, which erupted last year, had shaken Nepal’s political landscape, with demonstrators demanding reforms, accountability, and greater transparency in governance. The crackdown had drawn criticism from human rights groups and civil society. Officials said the arrests mark a significant step in enforcing accountability based on the commission’s findings. Further investigations are underway, and more actions could follow as authorities examine the events surrounding the protests.
