The arrest of former Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and ex-Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over their alleged roles in the September 2025 crackdown that left multiple civilians dead has raised questions about the new government’s approach to justice and transparency. The developments have drawn mixed reactions across the Himalayan nation, with observers closely scrutinising the timing and selectivity of the detentions.

Tensions had been mounting since a probe agency submitted its findings and recommendations to the interim government on March 8. Calls grew for the report, which spans nearly 1,000 pages, to be made public. While the outgoing administration reportedly delayed its release, anticipating that the incoming Prime Minister and cabinet would make the final decision, excerpts of the report began circulating in Nepalese media ahead of the swearing-in of the new government.

Critics have raised concerns about the arrests being selective. According to The Kathmandu Post, “The Gen Z uprising probe report on which these arrests were based has yet to be made public. The arrests also appeared selective, with other top security officials named in the report spared.” Observers argued that public disclosure of the findings prior to police action would have better ensured fairness and legitimacy in the legal process.

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The report further cautioned that hasty arrests risked perceptions of political targeting. Analysts noted that while Nepal and neighbouring Bangladesh have both seen new governments emerge following youth-led protests against alleged misrule, the trajectories differed sharply. In Bangladesh, unrest led to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fleeing the country and her party being barred from political activity, whereas Nepal’s recent political transition has been comparatively peaceful.

Despite these concerns, the article highlighted the reform agenda of the new Shah government, which includes a 100-point plan spanning economic revival, depoliticisation of universities and bureaucracy, and broader institutional reforms. Observers suggested that successfully implementing even a portion of these pledges could substantially improve living and working conditions in Nepal.

Commentators emphasised the importance of impartial justice, particularly for families affected by the September 2025 crackdown. “If the government is seen to be selectively targeting a few people while sparing others implicated in suppressing the uprising, the legitimacy of the whole process of prosecution and justice-delivery to victim families will come into question,” the report noted. Analysts urged the new leadership to focus on reform and transparency, avoiding distractions that could undermine public trust and the momentum of its mandate.

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