Nepal’s former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has been remanded in judicial custody for five days by the Kathmandu District Court as of March 29, 2026. The decision follows widespread protests across the nation concerning his arrest.
Oli, along with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, was apprehended on March 28, 2026, due to their alleged roles in the suppression of the Gen Z movement protests that occurred on September 8 and 9 last year. These protests resulted in the deaths of 76 individuals, including many young people.
The arrests were initiated following the new Balendra Shah government’s decision to act on a commission’s report investigating the Gen Z protests. Meanwhile, Ex-PM Oli, who is suffering from multiple health issues, attended the court session virtually and is currently receiving treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu.
The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) has been actively protesting against Oli’s detention, with demonstrations occurring nationwide. The party has also submitted a protest letter to district administration offices, demanding his release. Additionally, a habeas corpus petition has been filed in the Supreme Court for Oli and Lekhak’s release.
In a related incident, former Energy Minister and Nepali Congress leader Deepak Khadka was arrested for a money-laundering investigation. This arrest is linked to allegations of financial misconduct during the Gen Z protests, where evidence of burnt banknotes was found at his residence.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 30, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
