A Nepal commission has recommended the prosecution of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli in connection to the deadly September 2025 uprising that toppled his government. The uprising, which began over a brief social media ban, tapped into longstanding fury over economic hardship and resulted in the deaths of at least 77 people. Four-time prime minister Oli, 74, was defeated in the polls this month by 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah.
The commission's recommendations, set out in a leaked report, came ahead of the swearing-in of newly elected members of parliament. The report notes that former interior minister Ramesh Lekhak and ex-police chief Chandra Kuber Khapung should also be investigated and prosecuted. The report highlights the "negligent conduct" of Lekhak and Oli, stating that they failed to prevent further human casualties during the crackdown on the first day of protests, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 young people.
The prosecution of KP Sharma Oli and other officials is a crucial step towards accountability in Nepal. The deadly uprising in September 2025 highlighted the deep-seated frustrations of the Nepali youth with the country's economic and political elite. The fact that no one has been convicted over the killings until now is a stark reminder of the need for a thorough investigation and prosecution. The recommendations of the commission are a significant development, and it remains to be seen how the government will respond to them. The implications of this case are far-reaching, and it is essential that those responsible for the violence are held accountable to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
