Former PM KP Sharma Oli and Ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak Released After 13 Days in Custody

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak were released from police custody on April 9 (Today) following a Supreme Court order, ending their 13 day detention in connection with the deadly Gen-Z protests of September 2025. Oli, who is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital for several health conditions including irregular heart palpitations and a medical history that includes two kidney transplants, was handed over to relatives at the hospital.

A division bench of Justices Binod Sharma and Sunil Kumar Pokharel on April 6 dismissed habeas corpus petitions filed by the wives of both leaders but directed authorities to either complete the investigation by April 9 or set them free. The investigation was initiated against both leaders on charges of negligence while holding state leadership during the Gen-Z movement that took place on September 8-9, 2025, when Oli was serving as Prime Minister and Lekhak as Home Minister. The protests resulted in at least 76 deaths, with the leaders facing charges of criminal negligence related to the handling of the demonstrations.

The court provided four main reasons for ordering their release while allowing the investigation to continue. First, both leaders are currently observing mourning rituals following the passing of their parents. Second, Oli's serious health condition requires continuous medical supervision. Third, the court noted unequal treatment, as former Kathmandu Chief District Officer Chabilal Rijal, arrested in the same case, had already been released on personal recognizance. Fourth, the court observed that statements from the accused have already been recorded and there is minimal risk of evidence tampering.

Following the recommendation of the probe commission led by former Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, police arrested them on March 28, 2026. The commission's report recommended criminal indictments under the National Penal Code against Oli, Lekhak, and then Inspector General of Police Chandra Kuber Khapung for failing to prevent the killings of Gen Z protesters. Despite the release, the case remains active, with police able to continue the investigation while both leaders remain outside custody. Legal experts say the case could take more than a year for a district-level verdict, followed by appeals in higher courts.