Kathmandu– The commission investigating the Gen-z protest of 23–24 Bhadra incidents has moved into the political phase of its inquiry but is facing resistance from two key figures: former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. Both appear unwilling to provide statements, prompting the commission to prepare a strategy to request police assistance, including possible arrest, to secure their testimony.
The commission, formed on Asoj 5 with a three-month mandate that expires on Poush 5, has less than two weeks left to complete its work. So far, statements from nearly 150 individuals—from field-level security personnel to senior administrators—have been recorded. Remaining statements include those of the–then Prime Minister Oli, the–then Home Minister Lekhak, then Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadi, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and Nepal Police IGP Dan Bahadur Karki.
The commission has already barred Oli and Lekhak from foreign travel and from leaving the Kathmandu Valley. Oli has publicly dismissed the inquiry as unconstitutional and has refused to cooperate.
Commission spokesperson Vigyanraj Sharma said formal letters will be issued first. If they still refuse, the commission will initiate legal procedures and request the government to mobilize police. Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal stated the government is ready to act on any written request, saying rule of law applies equally to all.
The commission has already interviewed senior security officials including Armed Police IG Raju Aryal, former Nepal Police chief Chandrakuber Khapung, the-then Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal, NID chief Hutraj Thapa, and Federal Parliament Secretary General Padam Prasad Pandey. Several officers, including those deployed on the ground during the Bhadra incidents, have been questioned multiple times.
Former Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Chhabi Rijal, who faced severe criticism over the fatal crackdown on Gen-Z protesters on 23 Bhadra, has also given statements and may be called again for further clarification.
The inquiry body—led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki with former AIG Vigyanraj Sharma and legal expert Bisheshwor Prasad Bhandari as members—was formed to probe the deaths, injuries, and destruction of private and public property during the 23–24 Bhadra unrest. Officials say the commission is also conducting limited field assessments as part of its final reporting process.
