Former Nepalese prime minister KP Sharma Oli has been taken to hospital shortly after his arrest over alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on protests last year.
Authorities say he was admitted to a clinic in Kathmandu on Saturday morning as part of standard police procedures following his detention at home. Medical checks were also deemed necessary given his age and prior health issues, including two kidney transplants.
The arrest is linked to violent unrest in September, during which more than 70 people were killed. Many of the victims were protesters reportedly shot by security forces. The demonstrations were initially triggered by a government-imposed social media ban but quickly escalated due to public frustration over corruption, unemployment and economic hardship.
Former interior minister Ramesh Lekhak was also detained after an investigative panel recommended legal action against both men for alleged criminal negligence in handling the crisis.
The arrests come just one day after Balen Shah, a 35-year-old former rapper turned politician, was sworn in as the country’s new prime minister following elections prompted by the unrest.
Police officials confirmed that both suspects are in custody, although no formal charges have yet been filed. Oli has rejected the investigation’s findings, describing them as politically motivated, while his legal team argues that his detention is unjustified and premature.
Supporters of Oli’s party have begun staging protests in Kathmandu in response to his arrest. Meanwhile, the new government has defended the move, stressing that it reflects a commitment to accountability.
The September protests, sometimes referred to as “Gen-Z protests,” began with opposition to restrictions on social media but expanded into nationwide demonstrations. The unrest resulted in dozens more deaths, as well as widespread damage to public buildings, including parliament and police stations.
Families of at least 76 victims have since been demanding justice, increasing pressure on authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
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