KATHMANDU, Oct 7: The much-debated September 8–9 Gen Z protest, which shook the nation with scenes of fire, vandalism and tragic loss of life, has taken a new turn. The Gauri Bahadur Karki-led commission, tasked with probing the violence and arson, has clarified that government authorities need not wait for its final report to act against those accused of criminal offenses.
In a public statement, commission member Bigyanraj Sharma said the law already empowers police and other state agencies to investigate and prosecute crimes committed during the protests. “Anyone involved in criminal offenses could be investigated and taken action against by government authorities. There is no need to wait for the commission’s report,” Sharma explained.
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The statement serves as a significant signal at a time when the streets remain tense and questions linger over accountability. The commission, formed to assess both physical damage and humanitarian losses, is primarily mandated to collect information, record testimonies, and recommend actions. But by clarifying that criminal prosecution does not hinge on its timeline, it has effectively unblocked the path for immediate legal steps.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of fresh complaints. A group of Gen Z protesters recently approached the Kathmandu police demanding the arrest of senior leaders, including former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, accusing them of repressive actions during the demonstrations. Police, unsure of jurisdiction, had forwarded the case to the commission.
Now, with the commission’s clarification, police can file complaints and investigate individuals involved in arson, vandalism, killings, and other grave offenses without waiting for bureaucratic green lights.
The context is fraught. Just a few days ago, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal reportedly pressed Nepal Police to release nearly 100 detainees. These individuals had been arrested based on video and photographic evidence allegedly showing them setting fire to Singha Durbar, attacking the Supreme Court, killing police personnel and engaging in other serious acts of violence.
