Kathmandu, March 28 (NationPress) The recently inaugurated government of Nepal has detained former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak related to a culpable homicide case associated with the crackdown on Gen Z protests that resulted in fatalities among demonstrators.

After the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet ministers last Friday, a Cabinet meeting convened on the same day decided to act on the findings from the High-Level Inquiry Commission established to probe the events surrounding the Gen Z protests. The commission's report urged a criminal investigation into the actions of Oli, Lekhak, and former Police Chief Chandra Kuber Khapung.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Prabin Dhital, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, reported to IANS that the pair was apprehended early Saturday morning at their homes following the issuance of arrest warrants by the court.

Oli was arrested at his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, while Lekhak was taken into custody earlier that morning from Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur.

The police indicated that these arrests were part of enforcing the commission's recommendations. They will remain in custody until Sunday since Saturday is a public holiday in Nepal.

The commission, chaired by former Special Court leader Gauri Bahadur Karki, suggested that Oli, Lekhak, and Khapung face charges under Sections 181 and 182 of the National Penal Code for criminal negligence, which could result in a prison sentence of up to ten years if found guilty.

Additionally, the report calls for action against then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Dawadi, the current Armed Police Force chief Raju Aryal, former head of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and then Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal, recommending prosecution under Section 182 of the code that carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.

Upon the police's arrival with the arrest warrant, Oli consulted with his legal team.

“This arrest is a retaliatory action. I will contest it through legal means—please prepare accordingly,” Oli reportedly told former Attorney General Ramesh Badal and senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai, as per local media.

Former Home Minister Lekhak also expressed his intention to challenge his arrest both politically and legally, asserting that it was executed in a politically biased manner.

“My arrest is politically motivated and retaliatory. I am prepared to combat this politically,” he informed reporters.

In the meantime, newly appointed Home Minister Sudhan Gurung stated that the arrests were not driven by personal vendettas.

“We have detained former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and outgoing Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. This is not an act of revenge, but rather the initiation of justice for those accountable for suppressing the protests. I am optimistic that the country will now embark on a new path,” he emphasized.