Kathmandu — The commission of inquiry formed to investigate the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24 has summoned Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah for a formal statement.
According to the commission, statements have already been recorded from key political figures including then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, as well as representatives of the Genji movement such as Sudan Gurung and Purushottam Yadav. With most testimonies completed, Mayor Shah remains the final prominent figure yet to be questioned.
Shah’s personal secretary Bhupdev Shah confirmed that the mayor has been officially summoned by the commission to provide his statement.
Mayor Shah is under scrutiny for his indirect support of the Gen-Z movement during the unrest. On Bhadra 23, Kathmandu Metropolitan City distributed drinking water to protesters participating in the movement. The following day, while senior political leaders appealed to the Genji group via social media to withdraw from the protest after announcing resignations, Mayor Shah publicly urged the protesters to enter into dialogue with the military.
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He had also suggested that the dissolution of the House of Representatives should be made a condition for the formation of a new government. Additionally, it is alleged that Shah played a role in recommending the current Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, for the premiership.
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The commission is expected to question Mayor Shah on these actions and statements as part of its broader investigation into the causes, conduct, and consequences of the Bhadra 23–24 incidents.
