Nepal Court Extends Detention of Former PM KP Sharma Oli Over Deadly Protest Crackdown

KATHMANDU, April 6 — A court in Nepal has extended the detention of former prime minister K. P. Sharma Oli as authorities continue investigating his alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on nationwide protests that shook the country last year.

The decision was issued by the Kathmandu District Court, which granted investigators additional time to question the former leader over his role in the violent suppression of demonstrations that resulted in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries.

Oli, 74, and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested following a government inquiry that recommended legal action against several officials linked to the security response during the protests. The demonstrations erupted in 2025 and escalated into one of the most severe political crises in Nepal in recent years.

Authorities allege that the two leaders failed to prevent security forces from using lethal force against protesters during the unrest, which left at least 76 people dead after clashes between demonstrators and police.

Despite the accusations, both Oli and Lekhak have denied responsibility for the violence and say they were not directly involved in decisions that led to the use of deadly force. Their legal teams argue that the arrests are politically motivated and part of a broader effort to target former government officials.

Oli appeared before the court through a video link from a hospital, where he was admitted shortly after his arrest due to health concerns, including reported heart and kidney issues. The court also instructed authorities to ensure that the former prime minister receives necessary medical treatment while in custody.

The protests that led to the investigation began after widespread anger over government policies and economic difficulties. Initially sparked by a controversial social media ban, the demonstrations quickly expanded into a nationwide movement calling for political reform and accountability.

The unrest intensified when security forces opened fire on demonstrators in several cities, triggering widespread condemnation and forcing Oli to resign from office in September 2025 amid mounting public pressure.

Following the collapse of his government, Nepal entered a period of political transition. An interim administration was formed to stabilise the country and organise fresh elections after months of instability and protests.

The arrest and continued detention of the former prime minister have sparked fresh political tensions in Kathmandu. Supporters of Oli have staged demonstrations demanding his release, accusing the new authorities of pursuing political revenge.

However, government officials insist the investigation is necessary to ensure accountability for the deaths that occurred during the protests. Nepal’s home ministry said the legal process is aimed at delivering justice for victims and restoring public trust in state institutions.

Analysts say the case could become a major turning point in Nepal’s political landscape, as it marks one of the rare instances where a former head of government faces potential legal consequences for actions taken during a period of civil unrest.

The Supreme Court of Nepal is expected to review petitions related to the case in the coming days, which could determine whether Oli remains in custody or is released while investigations continue.

For now, the legal battle surrounding the former prime minister remains at the center of Nepal’s evolving political crisis, with both supporters and critics closely watching how the judiciary handles the high-profile case.