Ex-Nepal PM Oli arrested at Kathmandu

Police in Nepal have arrested former prime minister K P Sharma Oli over allegations linked to a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last year.

Oli was detained on Saturday morning (March 28) in the capital, Kathmandu.

Former home minister Ramesh Lekhak was also arrested in connection with the case.

The arrests relate to a wave of nationwide protests in September last year, during which at least 70 people—mostly demonstrators—were killed in police firing.

The unrest, initially triggered by opposition to social media restrictions, was fueled by longstanding public anger over corruption and economic challenges.

Kathmandu Valley Police spokesperson Om Adhikari said the arrests were carried out following due legal process, though formal charges have yet to be filed. The move comes after recommendations from an probe commission that called for prosecution on grounds of criminal negligence.

The commission also recommended action against former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.

Oli has previously rejected the findings, telling the BBC that the report was part of a “smear campaign and dirty politics” against him.

The arrests come just a day after Balen Shah assumed office, a development that has stirred fresh political debate in the country.

Current Home Minister Sudan Gurung welcomed the move, saying “no one is above the law” and describing it as a step toward justice rather than retaliation.