The investigation into the Gen Z protest incident from Bhadra has reached an important point. The national inquiry panel is preparing to call former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for their official statements. Notices are now being prepared and will be sent to them soon.
The panel had been collecting statements from security personnel who were deployed during the protests. According to the panel’s spokesperson, Vigyan Raj Sharma, most of these statements are now complete.
He said the investigation is now shifting to the policy-level decision makers who played a direct role during the protest period.
The next round of statements will include:
• The then chief secretary
• The then home secretary
• Heads of the main security agencies
• And finally the then prime minister and home minister
Sharma said the panel is entering the final and most sensitive stage of the investigation.
On Bhadra 23, the Gen Z protest turned tense after widespread firing and heavy force were used against the demonstrators. The situation grew more serious, and on Bhadra 24, Oli stepped down from the prime minister’s position.
Earlier, on Asoj 12, the panel had asked concerned authorities to ensure that Oli, Lekhak, and several other senior officials would not leave the Kathmandu Valley. They are required to be present whenever the panel needs them.
However, Oli and several UML leaders have claimed that the panel’s chairperson, Gauri Bahadur Karki, is biased. Because of this, they have repeatedly said they will not attend the inquiry.
The inquiry committee has responded firmly, saying that giving statements is a legal obligation. The panel believes no one has the right to avoid the investigation process.
Sharma explained that the panel expects everyone to follow the law and co-operate without exception.
The panel was given three months to complete its report. There is now only about one month remaining. This has created additional pressure, especially because of the lack of cooperation from Oli’s side and the public debate over whether the panel is fair.
Experts say these issues could make it challenging to implement the final report properly, even if it is completed on time.
Some political observers believe that Oli’s group may avoid the inquiry and instead attempt to pressure the government through nationwide street protests. Such a move, they warn, could increase the risk of political confrontation.
If the current government led by Sushila Karki remains steady, analysts expect the next month to bring several important and possibly serious political developments. Many believe these events will draw strong interest from both political followers and the general public.
