Just a day after the swearing-in of Nepal’s new Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were taken into custody on Saturday morning. Both were arrested from their residences in Bhaktapur, a suburb of the capital Kathmandu, by the Kathmandu Valley Police.
Police spokesperson Om Adhikari confirmed that the arrests were carried out in full compliance with legal procedures, based on recommendations from a commission led by former special court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.
Historical Context
The detentions are linked to mass protests in September 2025, when large-scale demonstrations erupted over allegations of corruption against the Oli government. At the time, Lekhak held the position of Home Minister. Prime Minister Oli had ordered security forces to take a tough stance against protesters, resulting in violent clashes that escalated on 8 and 9 September.
During these confrontations, at least 70 people lost their lives, including 19 protesters. The government’s failure to manage the unrest ultimately forced Oli to resign on 11 September, with Lekhak having stepped down slightly earlier.
Following these resignations, an interim government was formed under former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. This administration also established a commission, chaired by former special judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, to investigate the protests and related incidents.
Rise of Balendra Shah
The interim government oversaw general elections on 5 January, resulting in Balendra Shah, also known as Balen Shah, being elected as Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister at the age of 35. He leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party and assumed office with a pledge to restore transparency and justice.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung, representing the Shah administration, addressed the arrests on social media, stating:
“This is not a measure of revenge but the enforcement of a promise. We pledged justice, and its implementation has begun. No individual is above the law.”
Key Events Timeline
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 2025 | Mass protests | Demonstrations against corruption in K. P. Sharma Oli government |
| 8–9 Sept 2025 | Clashes | At least 70 deaths, including 19 protesters |
| 11 Sept 2025 | Resignation | K. P. Sharma Oli resigns as Prime Minister |
| Jan 5, 2026 | General election | Balendra Shah elected as Prime Minister |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Arrests | Former PM Oli and ex-Home Minister Lekhak detained |
The arrests reflect the new government’s determination to uphold the rule of law, signalling a firm stance on accountability in Nepalese politics.