Panel wants prosecution of ousted Nepal PM over violence in Gen Z protests

Oli is held responsible for failing to stop hours of firing during anti-corruption protests

Flames rise from the burning Singha Durbar office complex, which houses Nepal’s prime minister’s office and other ministries, during a curfew imposed after youth led protests that toppled Nepal's prime minister, in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sept 9, 2025. Photo: Reuters

A Nepali panel set up to investigate the violence during anti-corruption protests in September last year has recommended that former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli be prosecuted for “negligence” for failing to prevent dozens of deaths.

The panel held Oli responsible for not taking any action to stop hours of firing that killed at least 19 Gen Z protesters on the first day of anti-corruption demonstrations that brought down the Himalayan nation's government.

A total of 76 people were killed and 2,522 wounded during two days of unrest, the panel said in its report released late on Wednesday night. The government had earlier said 77 people had died.

“As the executive head ... Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad,” the 970-page report said in Nepali.

The report also held Oli’s home minister Ramesh Lekhak and the then police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung responsible and said they should be prosecuted.