In a dramatic turn of events, former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested on Saturday morning, just a day after Nepal’s new Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, assumed office. Both were taken into custody from their residences in the Bhaktapur area of the capital, Kathmandu, by the Kathmandu Valley Police.
Police spokesperson Om Adhikari confirmed to journalists that the arrests were conducted strictly in accordance with legal procedures, following recommendations from a commission led by former special court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki.
Background of Protests and Political Turmoil
The arrests trace back to mass protests in September 2025, when widespread demonstrations erupted across Nepal over allegations of corruption against the K. P. Sharma Oli-led government. At that time, Ramesh Lekhak was serving as the country’s Home Minister. Prime Minister Oli had instructed security forces to adopt a stringent stance against the protesters, resulting in violent clashes.
The confrontations reached a peak on 8 and 9 September, leaving at least 70 people dead, including 19 protesters. The inability of the government to manage the unrest ultimately forced Oli to resign on 11 September, while Lekhak had stepped down shortly before him.
Following their resignations, an interim government headed by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was established. Under this government, a commission led by former special judge Gauri Bahadur Karki was formed to investigate the protests and subsequent uprisings.
Rise of Nepal’s Youngest Prime Minister
The interim government concluded its tenure after general elections on 5 January, paving the way for Balendra Shah, also known as Balen Shah, to become Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister at 35. He is the leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
Following the arrests, Home Minister Sudan Gurung, representing the Shah-led government, posted on social media:
“This is not an act of revenge but a fulfilment of our promise. We pledged justice, and its implementation has begun. No one is above the law.”
Key Events Timeline
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 2025 | Mass protests | Widespread demonstrations against K. P. Sharma Oli’s government over corruption allegations |
| 8–9 Sept 2025 | Clashes | At least 70 fatalities, including 19 protesters |
| 11 Sept 2025 | Resignation | K. P. Sharma Oli resigns as Prime Minister |
| Jan 5, 2026 | General election | Balendra Shah elected as Nepal’s youngest Prime Minister |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Arrests | Former PM Oli and ex-Home Minister Lekhak detained in Kathmandu |
The arrests mark a significant assertion of legal accountability in Nepalese politics, highlighting the Shah administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
