KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chairman K.P. Sharma Oli, who was arrested early morning Saturday, could face up to 10 years in prison following recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry into the Gen Z protests of September 8 and 9, 2025.

The commission, led by former high court judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, had recommended criminal investigation and prosecution against Oli for his actions and inaction during the protests, which it concluded caused significant human loss.

According to the report, the then-Prime Minister failed to exercise his “parental-level responsibility” to protect citizens. Despite continuous gunfire for nearly four hours outside the parliament on September 8, 2025, neither Oli nor the Home Minister took corrective or preventive measures.

Many deaths and hundreds of injuries occurred within the first hour of the protests, yet the commission found that both leaders failed to intervene.

The report further states that Oli showed little concern over the uprising on September 8-9 and was slow to convene security meetings. A National Security Council meeting scheduled for 2 PM was not held until 10 PM, indicating disregard for the severity of the situation. Hospitals were overwhelmed with the injured, yet no immediate orders were issued to stop the shootings.

During the inquiry, Oli reportedly refused to answer most technical and operational questions, dismissing them as “questions for SEE-level students or field officers,” according to the commission.

The commission concluded that protesters did not engage in extreme violence, such as attacking parliament, disarming officials, or setting fires. The use of live ammunition, without immediate intervention for nearly four hours, directly contributed to the deaths of many, including minors.

The commission attributed the nationwide violence on September 9 to the failure to halt shootings on September 8 and lack of subsequent security measures. The report records 76 deaths in total.

Based on Sections 181(1), 182, and related homicide provisions of the Muluki Criminal Code 2074 (The National Civil (Code) Act, 2017), the commission recommended criminal investigation and prosecution of Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and then-IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung for negligence and dereliction of duty leading to deaths.

While the report notes that there was no intent to kill, it emphasizes that gross negligence and violation of duties caused loss of life. If the recommendations are implemented and charges are proven, the accused could face 3-10 years in prison and fines ranging from Rs. 30,000 to 100,000.