Within days of taking office, the new government ordered a series of high-profile arrests and launched investigations into former ministers, lawmakers, and business figures. The immediacy and scale of these actions have drawn national attention. The following are brief explanations of each case.
K.P. Sharma Oli (Former Prime Minister)
Former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli was released from police custody on April 9 after receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. Police said that any further decisions about his movement would depend on his health and medical advice.
Oli was arrested on March 28 in connection with an investigation into the suppression of the Gen Z protests. During his detention, he remained in the hospital due to health complications. On April 6, the Supreme Court ordered authorities to complete the investigation into Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak by April 9, stating that if this was not possible, they should be released under specific conditions.
Ramesh Lekhak (Former Home Minister)
As former Home Minister, Ramesh Lekhak was responsible for internal security and policing decisions during the unrest. Investigators have linked him to alleged negligence and unwarranted decisions regarding the use of force, which led to serious casualties. On April 9, Lekhak was released after the Supreme Court ruled that he didn’t need to remain in custody for investigation.
Rekha Sharma (Provincial lawmaker)
Lumbini Province Assembly member Rekha Sharma was arrested in Kathmandu in late March over a child rights case involving a minor domestic worker. Authorities allege the minor was subjected to physical and psychological abuse and forced into domestic labour. The investigation is ongoing. Her case is not connected to the protest-related arrests but contributes to the broader pattern of legal action against public officials during this period.
Deepak Khadka (Former minister)
Former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka was taken into custody following a request from the Department of Money Laundering Investigation to further investigate his financial activities. The investigation gained momentum after images and videos surfaced showing burnt fragments of banknotes at Khadka’s residence, following incidents of vandalism and arson on September 9. Forensic laboratory tests later confirmed the authenticity of these materials, strengthening the basis for police action. Khadka has previously faced allegations of corruption during his tenure as energy minister, particularly involving the issuance of hydropower licences and contracts in exchange for financial benefits. He has also been linked to a separate controversy over the alleged misappropriation of Nepal Scouts land in Lainchaur, though earlier accusations had not resulted in a formal investigation.
Chhabilal Rijal (Former CDO)
Former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chhabilal Rijal was taken into custody after the leak of the Karki Commission’s report on the September 8-9 protest, which established a link between Rijal’s decisions and the escalation of violence. He was released on bail.
Shankarlal Agrawal & Sulav Agrawal (Business executives)
Shankarlal Agrawal and Sulav Agrawal are under investigation as part of a widening money laundering probe. Shankarlal Agrawal is chairman of the Shanker Group, and Sulav Agrawal is a director of the same business group.
Authorities are examining a range of allegations against the group, including black-market racketeering during the COVID-19 pandemic, tax and VAT evasion, irregularities in electricity-related transactions, the production of substandard goods, and consumer fraud. The group is also accused of failing to settle significant dues with the Nepal Electricity Authority. Investigators say the case is part of a broader crackdown on high-profile business figures suspected of large-scale financial irregularities, with inquiries ongoing and no final legal determinations yet made.
Sher Bahadur Deuba and Arzu Rana Deuba
The Deuba couple faced the brunt of the Gen Z protests when they were attacked at their residence in Budhanilkantha. Severe injuries were reported, prompting the couple to travel to Singapore for further medical treatment. There were discussions about investigations into them for money laundering and the acquisition of illegal assets. Arrest warrants have been officially issued against both.
The couple are currently outside the country. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation is preparing to request an Interpol notice via the Police Headquarters after obtaining arrest warrants from the court.
Where things stand now
Most of the cases remain under investigation or in early legal proceedings. Courts will ultimately determine whether charges result in prosecution or dismissal. In the present scenario, the political and economic crackdowns by the top power in the nation suggest a proactive government that could shape Nepal’s political and legal landscape in the coming years. Yet it is crucial that arrests and investigations are conducted lawfully and legitimately, without bypassing due process.
