Ex-PM Oli and Former Home Minister Lekhak Presented in Court Today

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, arrested on Saturday for suppressing the Janajati (indigenous) movement, are scheduled to be presented in court today, authorities have stated. The Janajati protests on September 8–9 resulted in 76 deaths and over 2,400 injuries, alongside arson attacks on government buildings including Singha Durbar. An investigation commission led by Gauribahadur Karki held Oli, Lekhak, and others accountable, recommending legal action. The newly formed government has decided to implement the commission’s report.

Kathmandu, March 29: KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and UML chairman, and Ramesh Lekhak, former Home Minister and Congress leader, both arrested on Saturday for their alleged roles in suppressing the Janajati movement, will be presented today at the Kathmandu District Court. As Saturday was a public holiday, neither was produced in court then. Today, police confirmed both leaders will be brought before the court.

The violent Janajati demonstrations on September 8–9 resulted in 76 fatalities, including police personnel. Over 2,400 protesters sustained serious injuries. During the protests, government offices such as Singha Durbar, the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, the President’s residence, police stations, commercial areas, and private residences were vandalized, setting fires and looting. The commission headed by Gauribahadur Karki held former Prime Minister Oli, then Home Minister Lekhak, and others responsible, recommending prosecution.

Following the general elections on February 3, the first cabinet meeting of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration, convened on March 26, decided to implement the commission’s report immediately. On the morning of March 27, Oli was taken into custody from his residence in Gundu, Bhaktapur, and Lekhak from his home in Katunje, Bhaktapur. After detention, Oli was taken to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for health assessment and was admitted based on medical advice, whereas Lekhak is held at Police Post Number 2 in Maharajgunj. The Nepal Police are planning to present both leaders to court as soon as it opens today.