Kathmandu – Nepal’s former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has been placed in judicial custody for five days. He was arrested along with former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak on Saturday. Both leaders are accused of being involved in the suppression of a protest that took place last September, which resulted in the deaths of 76 people.
The arrests were made after Nepal’s new government reviewed a report on the protest during its first cabinet meeting and decided to take action. Authorities believe the report contains important details about how the protest was handled and who may be responsible for the violence.
Oli is currently unwell and appeared in court through a video call from his hospital bed. After his arrest, he was taken to a hospital because of health problems. Officials have said that he will remain in the hospital while he is in custody and will continue receiving treatment under medical supervision.
Ramesh Lekhak has also been placed in custody for five days. During this time, investigators will question him and collect more evidence related to the case. Authorities are trying to understand the exact roles both leaders may have played during the protest and the events that led to such a high number of deaths.
In a separate development, former Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, who is a leader of the Nepali Congress party, has also been arrested. He is facing charges related to money laundering. Officials have said that investigations in his case are ongoing.
These arrests have created a major political stir in Nepal, as authorities continue to take action against former leaders while investigating serious allegations.