Oli Hospitalized After Arrest Amid Health Concerns : CPN-UML Launches Nationwide Protests Against Arrest

KalimNews, Kathmandu, March 28, 2026 : On March 28, 2026, former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli (Kharga Prasad Sharma Oli) and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested in connection with the September 2025 Gen Z protests, which left 76 people dead. Both leaders are under investigation for alleged negligence in failing to prevent police brutality during the anti-corruption youth uprising.

The arrests followed a government probe panel’s recommendation and signal a major political shift under newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

The Karki Commission, led by former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, recommended criminal action against Oli, Lekhak, and other officials for dereliction of duty during the protests. Police confirmed that both leaders were taken into custody at their residences in Bhaktapur.

A legal notice stated: "You are being immediately detained as part of the investigation into offenses against life," referencing Schedule 9 and Section 9, Subsection 6 of the criminal procedure code. This allows authorities to issue an urgent arrest warrant if there is a risk of evidence being destroyed or the suspect fleeing.

After issuance of the warrant, Oli and Lekhak were required to be presented before the court within 24 hours. However, since Saturday was a public holiday, the court proceedings were deferred to Sunday. Kathmandu District Police spokesperson Om Adhikari confirmed, “Both leaders will be produced in court on Sunday.”

Oli was arrested in the early hours of the morning. Following his arrest, Oli was transferred to Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital for a medical checkup due to his health condition. He was admitted to the VIP Cabin, Bed 501, reserved for patients who have undergone kidney transplants. Oli has previously undergone two kidney transplants.

Prior to hospitalization, he was temporarily held at the Kathmandu District Police Range in Bhadrapur, before being escorted to the hospital. Officials confirmed that all medical care was provided under expert supervision, ensuring his condition was closely monitored.

The arrests came a day after Balendra Shah was sworn in as Nepal’s prime minister. The move is widely seen as a turning point in Nepal’s political landscape, demonstrating a commitment to accountability for the violent crackdown during the 2025 youth-led protests.

Newly appointed Home Minister Sudan Gurung emphasized the significance of the arrests on social media: "No one is above the law... This is not revenge against anyone, just the beginning of justice. I believe, now the country will take a new direction."

Oli, however, criticized the arrest as politically motivated, describing it as “vindictive” and declaring, "I will fight the legal battle."

Officials have indicated that the investigation may extend to other high-ranking officials, including the former chief of police, as authorities seek accountability for the deaths.

The CPN-UML, Oli’s party, announced nationwide protests against his and Lekhak’s arrests. In an emergency secretariat meeting, party leaders outlined a four-point plan:

1. Launch legal and political resistance in collaboration with civil society and the public.
2. Organize district-level demonstrations on Saturday afternoon across Nepal.
3. Submit formal protest letters to Chief District Officers during a large-scale rally on Chaitra 15.
4. Engage with parties, civil society, and democracy-supporting organizations to coordinate opposition efforts.

Party leaders view the arrests as political retaliation and have vowed to mobilize countrywide support.

Meanwhile, the Nepali Congress has remained largely silent on the matter, though it plans to address the arrests after concluding a parliamentary orientation program for its newly elected MPs.

The Gen Z protests, triggered by a short-lived social media ban but fueled by broader economic grievances, resulted in nationwide unrest, government collapse, and the deaths of dozens, including minors.

The swift action against former leaders marks a new chapter under Balendra Shah, whose election was propelled by public anger over the 2025 uprising. Analysts suggest the arrests represent both a legal and symbolic effort to ensure political accountability and signal that no one is above the law in Nepal.

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