Nepal has entered a new phase of political tension after the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, just a day after Balendra Shah took office. The arrests follow a Cabinet decision to implement findings from a probe into the 2025 Gen Z protests.
The report, prepared by a commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, had recommended action against several political and security figures. However, the government moved quickly against political leaders while delaying action against security agencies, raising concerns about selective enforcement.
The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) has strongly opposed the arrests, calling them politically driven, and has launched protests across the country. Demonstrations in Kathmandu and other areas have already led to injuries and detentions.
Legal experts have questioned the basis of the arrests, arguing that commission reports alone are not sufficient for criminal prosecution. Under Nepal’s legal process, such findings are typically reviewed by the attorney general before any formal investigation or charges are pursued. Concerns have been raised that bypassing these steps could weaken the case.
Meanwhile, Sudhan Gurung confirmed the arrests publicly, presenting them as a step toward accountability. Critics, however, warn that procedural lapses could undermine both the legal process and public trust.
The arrests have also drawn reactions from across the political spectrum, including criticism from senior leaders and calls for a more balanced and lawful approach.
With legal challenges expected and protests intensifying, the new government’s first major move has triggered both a demand for accountability and fears of a deepening political crisis.