Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Arrested, Probe Advances Over Gen-Z Protest Crackdown

Kathmandu — Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been arrested, officials from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office confirmed. He was taken into custody from his residence in Katunje, Bhaktapur earlier today.The arrest follows a decision by the newly formed government to implement the report prepared by a probe commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki. Soon after the Cabinet meeting, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung held continuous discussions with heads of security agencies to initiate legal action.According to sources, police initially sought formal written authorization from the government. After high-level consultations that continued past midnight, Law Ministry Secretary Parashwar Dhungana was summoned to the police headquarters in Naxal. Following this, an official written order was issued, and an arrest warrant was executed.The case is linked to the crackdown on protests held on Bhadra 23 and 24 (Nepali calendar), often referred to as the “Gen-Z movement.” The investigation commission had recommended criminal proceedings against then Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and then Police Chief Chandrakuber Khapung.Although the government has not officially published the full report, portions of it have already surfaced in the media. The commission recommended action under Sections 181 and 182 of the Muluki Criminal Code, which relate to causing death through negligence or recklessness.Meanwhile, an arrest warrant has also reportedly been issued against former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The Cabinet’s decision to immediately enforce the commission’s recommendations has triggered significant political and legal developments.The government’s move signals the beginning of formal judicial proceedings in the Gen-Z protest crackdown case, potentially intensifying political debate and legal scrutiny in the days ahead.