Nepal Probe Commission Recommends Travel Ban for Former PM Oli and Four Ex-Officials

Nepal’s investigation commission, established to probe the deadly suppression of the recent ‘Gen-Z’ anti-corruption protests, has recommended immediate travel restrictions for former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and four other senior former government officials.

The commission, led by former Special Court Chairman Gauri Bahadur Karki, made the recommendation on the grounds that these individuals are central to the ongoing investigation into incidents of excessive force and violence that occurred on September 8 and 9.

The five officials whose passports are recommended for restriction are former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, former Minister of Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak, former Secretary of Home Affairs Gokarna Mani Duwadi, the former head of Nepal’s National Investigation Department (NID) Hutraj Thapa, and former Chief District Officer (CDO) of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal.

The commission’s decision mandates that, as these individuals are under investigation, they must remain available for questioning at any time. The recommendation includes two key restrictions: a ban on international travel and a prohibition on leaving the Kathmandu Valley without explicit approval from the commission.

The decision comes shortly after former PM Oli’s recent public statements vowing, “We will not abandon the country by handing it over to a ‘government of clamor’.”

This formal recommendation now imposes a legal barrier on his movement, restricting him from traveling outside the capital area. Commission Chairman Karki also stated that a request for additional manpower would be forwarded to the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure a swift and thorough investigation. The Gen-Z movement triggered a political crisis that led to the resignation of the Oli government and the formation of an interim administration.

The ‘Gen-Z’ anti-corruption protests, which erupted on September 8, were driven by a youth-led movement demanding accountability and transparency from Nepal’s government. Sparked by allegations of widespread corruption, the protests saw thousands of young Nepalis take to the streets, particularly in Kathmandu. The protests escalated into a major upheaval, resulting in at least 100 deaths and over 1,000 injuries, with police accused of using live ammunition to suppress demonstrators.

The demonstrations turned violent, culminating in protesters storming and setting fire to key government buildings, including the Federal Parliament, Singha Durbar (Nepal’s administrative center), the Supreme Court, and the residences of political leaders.

The public outcry following these incidents intensified pressure on the government, culminating in the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, a prominent figure in Nepali politics and leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist). Oli, who has served multiple terms as prime minister, faced significant criticism for his handling of the protests and broader governance issues, including economic stagnation and alleged favoritism in government appointments.

An investigation commission was formed by the interim government, led by a former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, to examine the circumstances surrounding the protest crackdowns. The commission’s focus includes determining whether orders for excessive force came from high-ranking officials, including Oli and his inner circle.

Nepal’s political landscape has long been marked by instability, with frequent changes in government and coalition dynamics. The Gen-Z protests have highlighted a growing generational divide, with younger citizens increasingly vocal about systemic issues like corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities. The interim government now faces the challenge of restoring public trust while navigating the investigation and addressing the demands of the youth movement.

The unrest has taken a significant economic toll. The Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) estimates total infrastructure damage (public and private) at approximately $2.1 billion, roughly 5% of Nepal’s GDP. The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) reports direct private sector damages of $550 million, including $175 million in damages to nearly 25 hotels and $105 million to auto dealers and showrooms. Over 15,000 private sector jobs were affected, with one supermarket chain alone reporting approximately 10,000 job losses.

A judicial commission has been formed to investigate the deaths and arson, with families of the deceased offered up to 1 million Nepalese rupees (approximately $7,000) in compensation.