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Leaked Nepal Inquiry Seeks Prosecution of Ex-PM Oli Over 2025 Protest Deaths

The findings raise pressure on incoming leaders to decide whether to pursue criminal accountability for the crackdown.

Overview

  • An official panel’s report, circulating through leaks, recommends prosecuting former prime minister K. P. Sharma Oli for negligence linked to the September 2025 police crackdown.
  • The report also urges cases against then interior minister Ramesh Lekhak and former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung, saying authorities failed to stop hours of live fire.
  • Investigators found no clear order to open fire but concluded officials made no effort to halt shootings that killed 19 young protesters on the first day.
  • The commission recorded 76 deaths and 2,522 injuries over two days, while earlier counts put the death toll at 77, highlighting uncertainty over the final tally.
  • The recommendations are not charges and would require a police investigation before court filings, with lawyers saying the process could take months and convictions could carry up to 10 years in prison; the 900-page report draws on more than 200 interviews as a new government prepares to decide next steps.