Kathmandu, March 25: A high-level inquiry commission in Nepal has recommended criminal investigations against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and the then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung. This comes in response to events during last year’s Genji movement.
The commission, chaired by Gauri Bahadur Karki, pointed to negligence and irresponsibility on the part of Oli and Lekhak in relation to the deaths of protesters. They suggested action under the Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2074 (2017). The former police chief has also been held accountable for ordering the use of force against demonstrators.
If the recommendations lead to prosecution, the three could face sentences ranging from three to ten years and fines of up to 30,000 Nepali Rupees. Although the commission’s report has not been officially released, a leaked copy has circulated widely. In his statement to the commission, Oli claimed that security agencies were instructed to minimize loss of life and prevent the infiltration of undesirable elements during the protests.
According to a government report, a total of 77 people died during the Genji movement, which led to the downfall of Oli’s government, with property damage exceeding 85 billion Nepali Rupees.
Following the collapse of Oli’s coalition government, a non-political administration led by Sushila Karki was formed, which conducted elections for the House of Representatives on March 5. After the elections, the National Independent Party, led by Balendra Shah, emerged as the largest party with nearly a two-thirds majority, while traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) suffered significant losses.
The leak of the report comes just two days before the swearing-in of the new Prime Minister, increasing pressure on the incoming government to take action against former officials found responsible during the movement.
The commission has also recommended investigations and prosecutions against former Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Armed Police Force Chief Raju Aryal, former head of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Raj Rizal for negligence and irresponsibility under the Muluki Criminal Code Act, 2074 (2017). If prosecuted, they could face up to three years in prison and fines of up to 30,000 Nepali Rupees.
Additionally, the commission has suggested departmental actions against several senior officials from the Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department.
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Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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