Nepal’s former Energy Minister, Deepak Khadka, was arrested on March 29, 2026, in connection with a money laundering investigation. The arrest was confirmed by Shiva Kumar Shrestha, spokesman for the Central Investigation Bureau.
This development comes shortly after the arrest of ex-Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, linked to a violent crackdown on anti-corruption protests in September that resulted in 76 deaths.
The protests, initially sparked by a social media ban, escalated due to widespread frustration over corruption and economic hardship. Demonstrators set fire to government buildings, leading to the downfall of Oli’s administration.
Following the protests, Khadka’s residence was targeted, with videos showing protesters throwing cash found in his home. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation is now overseeing the probe.
In recent elections, the Rastriya Swatantra Party won decisively, with its leader Balendra Shah taking office as prime minister. The new government has introduced a 100-point agenda for reform, including asset investigations of politicians.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 30, 2026
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