Nepal Inquiry Report Leaked: Recommends Prosecuting Ex-PM Oli Over Deadly 2025 Uprising
A government-backed inquiry commission in Nepal has made a significant recommendation to prosecute former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and several senior officials for their roles in the deadly September 2025 uprising, according to a leaked report obtained by international media. The violent protests, which were initially triggered by a brief social media ban but were fundamentally fueled by deep-seated economic discontent across the nation, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 77 individuals.
Deadly Crackdown and Escalating Violence
The report details that on the first day of the unrest, security forces cracked down harshly, leading to the deaths of nineteen people, most of whom were young protesters. The commission's findings, as reported by AFP, indicate that former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and the then interior minister, Ramesh Lekhak, failed to take necessary actions to prevent the violence from escalating. Their inaction, according to the inquiry, contributed directly to the loss of life.
Furthermore, the report recommends legal action against former police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung for his conduct during the crisis. While investigators did not find a clear, direct order to open fire on protesters, they concluded that authorities made no concerted effort to halt the shooting once it began. This "negligent conduct" by officials is cited as a primary factor leading to civilian deaths, including those of minors caught in the crossfire.
Political Fallout and Government Collapse
The unrest did not subside after the initial crackdown. It spiraled dramatically the following day, with protesters setting government buildings ablaze in a show of intense anger. The political crisis that ensued ultimately forced the government to collapse, marking a significant turning point in Nepal's recent history.
KP Sharma Oli, a four-time prime minister, faced electoral consequences earlier this month, losing his bid for re-election. A new government led by Balendra Shah is scheduled to take office on Thursday, signaling a shift in the country's political landscape. In the immediate aftermath of the 2025 violence, former chief justice Sushila Karki was appointed as the interim prime minister and was responsible for establishing the inquiry commission to investigate the events.
Comprehensive Investigation and Demands for Accountability
The commission conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing more than 200 individuals and compiling an extensive 900-page report supported by thousands of pages of additional material. Although the Nepali government has indicated its intention to release the findings publicly, the report has not yet been officially made available. This delay persists even as victims' families and human rights advocates continue to demand transparency and accountability for the tragic events of September 2025.
The leaked findings underscore the severe consequences of governmental negligence during periods of civil unrest and highlight the ongoing struggle for justice in Nepal. The recommendations for prosecution represent a pivotal moment in the country's pursuit of accountability for the lives lost during the uprising.
